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Best Domestic Violence Lawyer Sydney
Trusted Sydney domestic violence lawyers providing urgent ADVO protection, confidential advice, and strong legal support when safety matters most.
Domestic Violence Lawyer Sydney | Kazi & Associates
Urgent Applications Available | Compassionate & Confidential Advice | Free Initial Consultation
If you are in immediate danger, call 000 (Police) immediately.
For urgent legal assistance, call our office on (02) 9568 3736.
1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) — 24/7 national domestic violence counselling and support line.
Domestic and family violence is never acceptable, and you do not have to face it alone. At Kazi & Associates, our family law team provides urgent, compassionate, and confidential legal assistance to people experiencing domestic and family violence in Sydney. We help victims obtain Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs) and other protective orders quickly, and we support you through the connected legal processes — including parenting arrangements and separation — with care and sensitivity.
What Is Domestic Violence?
Domestic and family violence is broadly defined under Australian law and goes well beyond physical violence. It includes any behaviour used to control, manipulate, intimidate, or harm a person in a family or intimate relationship. This includes:
- Physical violence — hitting, pushing, grabbing, or any form of physical harm
- Emotional and psychological abuse — threats, intimidation, humiliation, controlling behaviour, isolation from family and friends
- Economic abuse — controlling access to finances, preventing employment, accumulating debt in the victim's name
- Sexual abuse — any sexual contact or behaviour without consent
- Stalking and harassment — following, monitoring, repeated unwanted contact
- Technology-facilitated abuse — monitoring via devices, sharing intimate images without consent, online harassment
- Coercive control — a pattern of controlling behaviour used to dominate and isolate
You do not need to have been physically harmed to obtain legal protection. Courts take all forms of family violence seriously.
Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs) in NSW
An Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) is a court order that legally prohibits another person (the “defendant”) from doing certain things — such as approaching, contacting, or threatening the protected person. In NSW, ADVOs are governed by the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007.
Who Can Apply for an ADVO?
An ADVO can be applied for by any person who is in a domestic relationship with the defendant and fears for their safety. A “domestic relationship” includes current or former spouses, de facto partners, family members, and people who share or have shared a household. Children can also be listed as protected persons on an ADVO.
How Is an ADVO Obtained?
There are two main pathways to obtain an ADVO in NSW:
- Police application: NSW Police can apply for an ADVO on your behalf, and are required to do so where they attend a domestic violence incident and consider an order is necessary. A Provisional Order can be issued immediately in urgent circumstances.
- Private application: You can apply directly to the Local Court for an ADVO without police involvement. We can assist you in preparing and filing a private application.
What Does an ADVO Prohibit?
All ADVOs include mandatory prohibitions against stalking, intimidation, and any act of violence. Additional conditions can be added depending on your circumstances, including prohibitions on: contacting you or your children, approaching your home or workplace, damaging your property, or being in the same location as you.
Provisional, Interim, and Final ADVOs
- Provisional ADVO: Issued by police (or a court after hours) immediately in urgent situations. Takes effect straight away.
- Interim ADVO: Issued by the court at the first mention (hearing) of the matter, while the case is ongoing. Provides protection while proceedings continue.
- Final ADVO: Made by the court after the defendant consents or after a defended hearing. Typically lasts 2 years, though the court can make it for a longer period in serious cases.
Our Domestic Violence Legal Services
Domestic Violence & Family Law — What the Court Considers
Since amendments to the Family Law Act 1975 in 2023, the court is required to give significant weight to the need to protect children from harm — including exposure to family violence — when making parenting orders. A history of domestic violence is a critical factor in parenting proceedings. The court can:
- Limit or suspend a parent's time with children where violence is a risk
- Require supervision of contact with children
- Make orders that specifically protect the child and the other parent during handovers
- Depart from equal shared parental responsibility where family violence makes it unsafe or inappropriate
- Urgent and same-day assistance available for ADVO matters
- Compassionate, sensitive approach — your safety and dignity are our priority
- 25+ years of family law experience in Sydney
- Multilingual team: English, Bengali, Hindi, Japanese & Urdu — we can help you in your own language
- We handle all connected family law matters — children, property, separation — in one place
- Free, confidential initial consultation
Why Choose Kazi & Associates for Domestic Violence Legal Help?
Kazi & Associates provides urgent, compassionate domestic violence legal support, experienced ADVO representation, and dedicated guidance protecting you and your family.
Support Services — You Are Not Alone
- Emergency: Call 000
- 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 — 24/7 counselling and support
- NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 656 463 — 24/7 crisis line
- Men's Referral Service: 1300 766 491 — support for men experiencing or using family violence
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 — 24/7 crisis support
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered about domestic violence law, ADVO protection orders, court procedures, evidence, and your legal options in Sydney.
What is an ADVO and how do I get one?
An Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) is a court order in NSW that prohibits a person from approaching, contacting, or threatening you. You can obtain an ADVO through the police (who are obligated to apply in domestic violence situations) or by making a private application to the Local Court. We can help you prepare and file a private ADVO application urgently.
Do I need evidence to get an ADVO?
While evidence strengthens an application, you do not need formal proof in the traditional sense to obtain an Interim ADVO — the court can make an interim order where there are reasonable grounds to fear for your safety. Evidence such as text messages, photographs of injuries, medical records, and witness statements all help support your application and are important for a final hearing.
What happens if the defendant breaches an ADVO?
Breaching an ADVO is a criminal offence in NSW under the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007. Penalties can include a fine of up to $5,500, imprisonment of up to 2 years, or both. If the breach involves violence, higher penalties apply. Call police immediately if an ADVO is breached.
Can domestic violence affect my child custody case?
Yes, significantly. The Family Law Act requires courts to give paramount consideration to protecting children from family violence when determining parenting arrangements. A history of domestic violence can lead to restrictions on the other parent’s time with children, supervised contact, or in serious cases, no direct contact at all.
What if I am experiencing coercive control rather than physical violence?
Coercive control — patterns of controlling, threatening, and degrading behaviour — is recognised as a serious form of family violence under NSW law. Since 1 July 2024, coercive control has been a criminal offence in NSW, carrying a maximum penalty of 7 years imprisonment. You do not need to have experienced physical violence to seek an ADVO or other legal protection.
What if the ADVO application has been taken out against me incorrectly?
If an ADVO has been taken out against you that you believe is incorrect, exaggerated, or made in bad faith, you have the right to contest it. We provide representation for ADVO respondents, including negotiating appropriate conditions and appearing at defended hearings to contest unfair orders.
Disclaimer: This page contains general legal information only and does not constitute legal advice. Please contact our office for advice specific to your circumstances.
Speak With an Experienced Sydney Domestic Violence Lawyer Today
Your safety matters. Speak with an experienced Sydney domestic violence lawyer at Kazi & Associates today for urgent ADVO advice, confidential legal support, and compassionate guidance to protect you, your children, and your future.
Call Kazi & Associates today to book your free consultation and get trusted legal guidance for your domestic violence matter.
- Call us: (02) 9568 3736
- Email: info@kaziandassociates.com.au
- Visit: 17/296 Marrickville Road, Marrickville NSW 2204
- Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM