What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse is any incident, or pattern of incidents, involving controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse and encompassing, psychological, physical, financial, sexual and emotional abuse.

What options are available to victims of domestic abuse?

If you are the victim of domestic abuse, I can work with you to establish which remedy is most suitable to your needs. You may simply need a pre-warning letter to be sent to the other party asking them to refrain from behaving in an abusive and intimidating way (in some cases, this can be a sufficient deterrent).

However, often a pre-warning letter will not be sufficient to ensure the victim’s safety and wellbeing and an injunction may be necessary. The type of injunction required will depend on your specific circumstances, but can vary from a prohibition on behaving in an abusive or intimidating way, to being temporarily or permanently excluded from your property.

About Michelle

I am an experienced and specialist family solicitor and have been practising for over 7 years. I successfully represent applicants (victims) as well as respondents (the other party) to applications of domestic abuse. I am also an accredited member of Resolution which means that I am an expert in the field of domestic abuse and family matters.

I can support you by preparing the necessary applications and representing you from the initial stages through to a final court hearing. I also work closely with other professional bodies that assist with related matters such as housing and victim support services, ensuring a holistic approach to helping you that goes beyond the legal remedies available.  

How much does it cost?

The first stage will be to conduct an initial meeting (usually about 1 hour) which I will used to conduct an in-depth assessment of your situation and needs, ascertain what action is required, provide a cost estimate and follow up with detailed written advice.

The cost of the initial meeting is fixed at £120 (incl. VAT). Should you decide to proceed, then I will be able to discuss with you the work to be undertaken and estimate the likely fees based upon this work.  The costs will vary depending on factors such as the type of remedy you require, how quickly matters can be resolved and whether you require representation at court. I will provide you with an estimate of the total costs at the initial meeting, before you decide to proceed.

Please feel to contact me on 01622 235880 to schedule an appointment. Alternatively, you can email me at michellesamuel@spainwilliams.com.