CONTESTING AN ADVO IN THE LOCAL COURT – WHY IT MATTERS IN PARENTING DISPUTES

For many separated parents, receiving an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) feels like their whole world has been turned upside down. It can have a huge flow on effect in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA) when parenting arrangements are being decided.

So why does it matter so much for family law? On the surface, an ADVO might feel like “just a piece of paper” – but in family law matters, it can carry serious weight.

An ADVO is an order made by the Local Court to protect a person from alleged domestic or family violence with conditions that may include, no contacting or approaching the protected person or kids, staying away from their work place, home or school and restrictions on behaviour, even around children. 

When the Family Court decides parenting arrangements, it must consider the safety of the child as the highest priority. If an ADVO is in place, it can influence the Court’s view of whether a parent poses a risk of harm, limit time spent with children, including supervised time, it can also impact applications for equal shared parental responsibility, affect the ability to travel or attend school events

If you believe allegations are false, exaggerated or unfair, it may be crucial to contest the ADVO in the Local Court to prevent damaging findings being relied upon in family law proceedings and to protect your relationship with your children. Get legal advice early from experienced criminal and litigation lawyers such as First Choice Family Lawyers, gather evidence to support your case and consider how the ADVO conditions might impact your parenting proceedings before making decisions about consenting to an ADVO.

Call Londi Gramelis and her experienced team of litigation lawyers at First Choice Family Lawyers today on (02) 9579 5555.