Domestic Violence
Lawyers
24/7 AVO & Protection-Order Specialists Safeguarding Your Rights and Safety
Domestic Violence Lawyers & AVO Specialists
Urgent help with protection orders, AVO defence and family-violence advice across Sydney.
After an incident—or allegation—of domestic or family violence, fast legal action is critical. Our domestic-violence lawyers guide you through every step of securing or defending an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) and protecting your future. We assist with:
We understand how stressful and emotional these situations can be. Our experienced team listens, explains your options in plain English and supports you at every court date, whether you are a protected person or have been wrongly accused.
If you are facing a domestic-violence matter, you deserve proven legal support. Unified Lawyers is consistently ranked among Sydney’s top family-law and domestic-violence firms because we deliver rapid, practical results that keep clients safe and informed.
Consistently ranked among Sydney’s Top 3 Family Law Firms, 9 years and counting. Here at Unified Lawyers, our experienced family lawyers are here to provide the vital support you need during this challenging time.
Award
Winning
What Protection Can an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) Provide?
Facing domestic or family violence is frightening, and it can be hard to know exactly how an Apprehended Violence Order can protect you and your children. Our domestic-violence lawyers explain every safeguard an AVO can include, then draft or defend the order to fit your circumstances.
An AVO can order the respondent to:
- Stop contacting or approaching you, your home or workplace
- Stay away from your children’s school or childcare
- Surrender firearms and weapons immediately
- Move out of the family home (exclusion order)
Avoid stalking, intimidation, harassment or threats, online and offline
These conditions are enforceable Australia-wide. Breaching an AVO is a criminal offence and can lead to arrest, fines or jail.
Facing Domestic Violence? Let’s Secure Your Safety Fast
Our first priority is your safety. Our domestic-violence lawyers move quickly to obtain, defend or vary an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) so you can live and work without fear.
We encourage clients to seek legal advice the moment an incident occurs or an allegation is made, early action often means stronger evidence and a smoother court process. But if matters escalate, you’ll be backed by a team that specialises exclusively in family-law and AVO defence.
Our lawyers handle every aspect of domestic-violence cases, including police and provisional orders, interim and final AVOs, cross-applications, breach charges, bail conditions and parenting-order impacts.
At Unified Lawyers, we’ve helped hundreds of clients, survivors and wrongly accused alike, secure fair, practical outcomes and move forward with peace of mind.
Domestic Violence Settlement Process
At Unified Lawyers, we understand the complexities of domestic violence law matters. Our experienced family lawyers can help guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you are well-informed and supported. Beyond addressing domestic violence issues, our team is also skilled in handling property settlement, spousal maintenance, and exclusive occupation orders. We work diligently to secure fair and equitable outcomes, providing comprehensive legal assistance tailored to your unique situation.
1
Initial Consultation
We assess your situation and determine if legal action is suitable.
2
Information Gathering
We gather relevant information and discuss your rights and action plan.
3
Ongoing Support
We offer continuous legal guidance, court representation, and issue assistance.
4
Legal Action
We’ll help you file legal documents and obtain AVOs and other protective measures
Free Confidential Consultations – Our Domestic Violence and Family Violence Lawyers
During your call, we’ll listen to your situation, ask the right questions and outline your safest options, whether you need to apply for an AVO, defend false allegations or vary existing orders.
600+
5 Star Reviews and Thousands of Lives Transformed
At Unified Lawyers, results matter because they matter to you. We’ve helped more than 8000+ clients across Australia resolve their family law matters with care and expertise.
Tsharna Kecek
I cannot recommend Unified Lawyers highly enough, especially the exceptional service provided by Shelley Scott. From our very first meeting, Shelley exhibited an impressive level of professionalism and legal knowledge that reassured me that I was in excellent hands. Shelley approached every step of the process with kindness and compassion. She took the time to listen to my concerns and provided thoughtful guidance, ensuring that I felt supported throughout my journey. Her consideration for my situation made a challenging experience much more manageable.
Allysha Webber
Anushka Pokharel (Associate) provided incredible legal guidance throughout my lengthy legal proceeding. Anushka also went above & beyond with communication, never failing to keep me updated on every facet of progress of my case. I highly recommend Anushka & Unified Lawyers to anyone seeking high level, consistent legal guidance.
Paul Glynn
I can’t thank Lauren Spence enough for the outstanding support and expertise during a very difficult period of my life. Going through a child custody battle with my ex-partner was already stressful, and the thought of ending up in court was overwhelming—both emotionally and financially. Lauren guided me through the mediation process with calm professionalism, clear advice, and genuine care. The best part? We completely avoided court, saved a huge amount in legal costs and time, and were able to move forward much sooner than I ever expected. Lauren was always responsive, patient when I needed reassurance, and incredibly effective at keeping things on track.
John Pierre Saliba
I had an excellent experience with Unified Lawyers. Their team provided outstanding service, clear communication, and strong representation throughout my family law matter. They were professional, supportive, and genuinely cared about achieving the best outcome for me. I highly recommend Unified Lawyers to anyone seeking expert and reliable family law advice.
Jane Sayabath
Alex was an absolute pillar of support throughout. From the very beginning, he had an incredible ability to remove the emotion from the situation and provide calm, clear, and strategic Family Law advice. When everything felt overwhelming, he helped break things down into manageable steps and gave me a practical plan to move forward with confidence. What stood out most was his balanced approach, yet focused and outcome driven. He never dismissed how I was feeling, but he ensured decisions were guided by logic, strategy, and the bigger picture. That clarity made all the difference.
Ben Abbott
Jessica adamovich did an amazing job to get my little boy back to Sydney . Happiness restored ! And was always respectful and mindful around delicate situations and feelings
Tsharna Kecek
I cannot recommend Unified Lawyers highly enough, especially the exceptional service provided by Shelley Scott. From our very first meeting, Shelley exhibited an impressive level of professionalism and legal knowledge that reassured me that I was in excellent hands. Shelley approached every step of the process with kindness and compassion. She took the time to listen to my concerns and provided thoughtful guidance, ensuring that I felt supported throughout my journey. Her consideration for my situation made a challenging experience much more manageable.
Allysha Webber
Anushka Pokharel (Associate) provided incredible legal guidance throughout my lengthy legal proceeding. Anushka also went above & beyond with communication, never failing to keep me updated on every facet of progress of my case. I highly recommend Anushka & Unified Lawyers to anyone seeking high level, consistent legal guidance.
Paul Glynn
I can’t thank Lauren Spence enough for the outstanding support and expertise during a very difficult period of my life. Going through a child custody battle with my ex-partner was already stressful, and the thought of ending up in court was overwhelming—both emotionally and financially. Lauren guided me through the mediation process with calm professionalism, clear advice, and genuine care. The best part? We completely avoided court, saved a huge amount in legal costs and time, and were able to move forward much sooner than I ever expected. Lauren was always responsive, patient when I needed reassurance, and incredibly effective at keeping things on track.
John Pierre Saliba
I had an excellent experience with Unified Lawyers. Their team provided outstanding service, clear communication, and strong representation throughout my family law matter. They were professional, supportive, and genuinely cared about achieving the best outcome for me. I highly recommend Unified Lawyers to anyone seeking expert and reliable family law advice.
Jane Sayabath
Alex was an absolute pillar of support throughout. From the very beginning, he had an incredible ability to remove the emotion from the situation and provide calm, clear, and strategic Family Law advice. When everything felt overwhelming, he helped break things down into manageable steps and gave me a practical plan to move forward with confidence. What stood out most was his balanced approach, yet focused and outcome driven. He never dismissed how I was feeling, but he ensured decisions were guided by logic, strategy, and the bigger picture. That clarity made all the difference.
Ben Abbott
Jessica adamovich did an amazing job to get my little boy back to Sydney . Happiness restored ! And was always respectful and mindful around delicate situations and feelings
How Can Unified Lawyers Help with Domestic Violence Cases in Australia?
Dealing with domestic violence can be incredibly challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. Unified Lawyers offers comprehensive support and guidance through the complexities of Australian laws concerning domestic violence.
We provide expert legal advice tailored to your situation, ensuring you understand your rights and options. Our team assists with applying for protection orders, handling legal documentation, and representing you in court to ensure your safety and well-being.
- Clear and Concise Confidential Advice: Our lawyers will explain your legal rights and options under Australian laws, answering any questions you may have to assure you feel confident and informed throughout the process.
- Skilled Representation: We provide robust legal representation, assisting with applications for urgent Court Orders, such as Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs), to place restrictions on the person inflicting violence.
- Guidance on Safety and Support Services: We help you navigate available support services and advise on the best ways to protect yourself and your children. Our team is committed to securing your safety and well-being.
If you’re considering taking action or already in the process, Unified Lawyers can be your trusted partner. We’ll give you legal guidance, negotiate on your behalf and offer unwavering support so you feel protected at all times.
What Constitutes Domestic or Family Violence?
Are you facing domestic or family violence and need assistance figuring out how to proceed?
Domestic and family violence occurs when someone experiences or is exposed to behaviours from someone they live with or have a domestic relationship with, including:
- Physical assault: Intentionally causing someone harm or injury by using force against them. Examples include behaviours such as hitting, punching, slapping, kicking, shoving or using a weapon.
- Assault: An act of inflicting physical harm on another person either by threatening them or trying to do so. For instance threats, attempts to strike, or actual physical contact.
- Stalking: Repeated, unwanted attention and surveillance that causes fear or distress. Examples include, following someone, sending unwanted messages, or spying on them.
- Intimidation: Acts intended to frighten or coerce someone into doing or not doing something. This can be in the form of threats of violence, aggressive behaviour, or other forms of coercion.
- Harassment: Persistent behaviour that causes distress or alarm, often involving unwanted contact. This involves repeated phone calls, emails, or public humiliation.
- Financial abuse: Controlling or exploiting someone’s financial resources without their consent. For example taking control of bank accounts, withholding money, or running up debts in another person’s name.
- Emotional or psychological abuse: Manipulative behaviour that harms someone’s mental well-being. This includes: verbal abuse, gaslighting, and constant criticism.
- Coercive control (denied independence or autonomy): A pattern of behaviour aimed at controlling and restricting someone’s freedom and autonomy. Examples: isolating someone from friends and family, monitoring their activities, or dictating what they can and cannot do.
At Unified Lawyers we are here to help you through these difficult situations. Our expert family lawyers will support you through the whole process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Property Settlement Family Lawyers
How are domestic violence cases handled in Australia?
Domestic violence cases in Australia are taken very seriously. They involve legal procedures that include obtaining Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs) to protect victims, prosecuting offenders, and providing support services.
Unified Lawyers can help by providing expert legal advice, representation, and support throughout the process.
What governmental support is there for domestic violence victims in Australia?
The Australian government has implemented various measures, including funding support services, enacting laws to protect victims, and launching awareness campaigns.
Unified Lawyers can guide you through these resources and legal protections available to you.
How much will a domestic violence charge cost?
In Australia, the average hourly rate for a domestic violence lawyer ranges from $300 to $600 plus GST. The cost of handling a domestic violence charge varies based on the complexity of the case, legal fees, and court costs.
Domestic violence lawyers may employ different billing methods, such as hourly rates, itemised billing, fixed fees, or subscription pricing. It’s important to consider that investing in legal assistance can not only potentially save time and money in the long run but also aid in reaching a resolution that is in your best interest. Unified Lawyers can provide a more precise estimate based on your specific circumstances during an initial consultation. You can learn more about family lawyers cost in Australia.
It’s advisable to discuss all these aspects with your legal representative to understand the full scope of potential costs.
How do I cope with victimisation?
How can I legally protect myself from domestic violence?
How does the law define domestic violence in Australia?
To what extent does domestic abuse occur?
What happens in most cases of domestic violence?
An AVO is a court order can protect a person from another person being violent towards them, harassing, or intimidating them. It enforces conditions on the defendant/perpetrator to stay away from or not contact the protected person.
Unified Lawyers’ domestic violence lawyers will help you with protection orders, represent your interests in family law, and give advice on matters surrounding custody and property settlements.
Any victim of domestic violence should contact our experienced team at Unified Lawyers. We can help you work through legal processes, in order to guarantee personal and child safety.
For immediate danger, call emergency services.
How is domestic violence different from family violence?
Domestic violence and family violence are often seen as having this interchangeable function, though they are quite different.
Domestic abuse is any abuse that comes amongst people in domestic relations; for example, partners, spouses, and so on.
Family violence is a more general term that includes domestic violence and, in addition, any violence between family members, based on parents, children or siblings.
What's an AVO and when might I need one?
An Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is a legal mechanism designed to protect individuals from threats or acts of violence by someone with whom they share a relationship, such as a partner, family member, or acquaintance. It provides a layer of legal protection by imposing restrictions on the behaviour of the individual posing a threat.
An AVO can include several key provisions:
No Contact Orders: Prevents the person from contacting you directly or indirectly, whether through phone calls, texts, social media, or third parties.
Exclusion Zones: Prohibits the individual from coming within a certain radius of your home, workplace, children’s school, or any other specified location. This ensures your physical safety and that of your loved ones in places you frequently visit.
Behavioural Restrictions: Restrains the individual from stalking, harassing, or intimidating you in any form.
Unified Lawyers can assist with the process of obtaining an AVO, ensuring that all necessary legal steps are taken to provide you with the protection and peace of mind you need. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate the legal system and secure the safety measures required to safeguard your well-being.
What do I do if I fear for the safety of my children? How can a domestic violence lawyer help me?
In protecting children’s safety, domestic violence lawyers at Unified Lawyers can always help.
We work on your behalf for your child/children’s best interests in court, obtain protective orders to keep the abusive parent away, and strive to negotiate custody results that put the highest onus on the safety of the child.
Unified Lawyers firm understands that domestic violence significantly affects the lives of children as direct victims and witnesses of it. We will provide you with legal support and help break the cycle of violence.
Why choose Unified Lawyers to assist your domestic violence case?
Unified Lawyers offer compassionate, experienced legal representation with a focus on achieving the best outcomes for our clients.
Unified Lawyers gives expertise in the legal advice and services, particularly when it comes to handling sensitive matters such as domestic violence cases. With a team that is not only highly skilled but also internationally recognised, they bring a level of compassion and attention to detail that is unparalleled in the industry.
We ensure that every client receives personalised and empathetic legal representation aimed at securing the best possible outcomes. The firm’s commitment to our clients is reflected in professional legal expertise with genuine care and communication.
Choosing Unified Lawyers means entrusting your case to a team that values your well-being and fights tirelessly for your rights, think of us as a trusted ally in the most challenging of times. Our proven track record in family law, including domestic violence cases, allows us the capability to navigate the complexities of the legal system to make sure you are supported at every step of the way.