Family Injunctions
An estimated 2.3 million adults aged 16 to 74 years experienced domestic abuse or domestic violence in the last year. Many people believe that the police are the only authority that are able to offer protection from such abuse.
However, in certain circumstances the family court also have the power to grant protective orders – more commonly known as family injunctions – to prevent perpetrators of domestic violence from contacting or abusing the victim further.
Breach of such orders is a criminal offence, meaning that the perpetrator can be immediately arrested if they were to breach the order.
There are two types of injunctions that the family court can order under the Family Law Act 1996:
- A non-molestation order – this can prohibit your partner, former partner or associated person from being violent or threatening violence to you or any children. It can also prohibit that person from contacting you directly or indirectly and/or prohibit them from coming within 100 metres of any property where you might be living.
- An occupation order – this allows the court to decide who should live, or not live, in the family home. It can exclude a person from the family home and/or the area surrounding the home. An occupation order can also grant you permission to return to the home even after you have fled the house due to the abuse.
If you find yourself in a position where you think you need a family injunction, our experienced team will be on hand to help you make an application and represent you at court hearings.
Equally, if you find out that somebody has applied for a family injunction against you, we can advise you on your options and represent you throughout the proceedings.
Why use Rothera Bray for family injunctions?
We can apply for a family injunction on an urgent basis to ensure your protection as soon as possible. If we feel it is appropriate, we’re able to make an application to court to seek an ex-parte (without notice) order without your abuser even knowing. This can then protect you until the court can decide to grant a family injunction in the longer term.
Our team are skilled advocates who are able to represent you throughout the court hearings as well as preparing the application and statements, ensuring you get the continuity and support you need.
We have strong relationships with the likes of Women’s Aid and men’s support services and work with these organisations to ensure you receive the appropriate support.
We are able to advise on any children matters that may arise as a result of the family injunction application to ensure that your children are also protected.
Our child care team are able to advise on the appropriateness of a family injunction if social services ask you to obtain one or if you are already in child care proceedings.
We are also able to defend respondents (alleged perpetrators of abuse) within family injunction proceedings to ensure an order isn’t unjustly made against you.
We can help you with:
Send us a message
“Don’t wait until it’s too late – contact us about an injunction today.”
Rebecca Emeleus
Head of Family Law
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Posted 10 February 2026
Emma Adcock was absolutely superb during my divorce and subsequently during a prolonged and difficult house sale in which she endeavoured to get the right and just outcome for me. I would never use any other solicitor or solicitors firm for any legal challenges that may come along in the future. I cannot say enough great things about Emma or the firm Rothera Bray. Thank you so much.
Michael F
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Posted 29 January 2026
I've been a client of Rothera Bray for the last few years while negotiating a somewhat lengthy divorce process. It should have been fairly straightforward but there were issues with the other side... However my solicitor (Sarah) was extremely patient, supportive and professional throughout and we finally got the required outcome. I was extremely grateful for all Rothera Bray did in supporting me through the process and I would definitely recommend them to others.
Nina T
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Posted 20 January 2026
I can’t thank you enough for the support, patience and counsel you have offered over the last few difficult months! Not least of which the peace of mind you have provided throughout the period working with you all. Thank you so much!
Mr B, Nottingham
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Posted 19 January 2026
Grateful for the professional service from Rothera Bray in particular Jo Millward and Cindy Dodd during a difficult separation.
Max E
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Posted 16 January 2026
I changed my solicitors to Rothera Bray and was allocated Sarah Gill to act for me. Sarah was superb! She motivated me to fight on, advised me on the law, guided me through the legal process and gave me confidence in court. It was a very difficult fight but together we achieved a most satisfactory conclusion. While Sarah was very professional, I felt she was my friend. She kept me focused and determined to see my fight through to the end. Thank you, Sarah. You are great.
Heidi
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Posted 6 January 2026
Emma was very calm and professional, her advice was spot on especially when dealing with sensitive matters such as the children.
S.S
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Posted 17 December 2025
Simply the best! Gurpreet was kind considerate took time to listen and I couldn’t have had a better outcome nothing was to much for him always there to help. Extremely knowledgeable would high recommend this company very professional.
Maria
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Posted 11 December 2025
Thank you for all of your help, guidance and support over the past 15 months. It has been greatly appreciated.
JN
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Posted 9 December 2025
This has been one of the most horrible years of my life, and going through a divorce is not something I would wish on anyone. But if you do have to go through it, it makes a huge difference knowing that you have a supportive lawyer to work with and that was definitely my experience of working with Sarah Gill. What really stood out for me was how well Sarah listened and heard me...She was also excellent at explaining the key background areas of law I needed to understand as I went into mediation. More than anything, Sarah’s way of working felt like a genuine partnership. I know this might sound cheesy, but it truly felt like she had my back. That support meant I could make informed decisions about my future during an incredibly difficult time. I honestly cannot thank you enough, Sarah, for all your help. I would highly recommend reaching out to her if you are looking for a solicitor who is supportive, compassionate, and highly responsive.
Anonymous
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Posted 28 November 2025
I’m glad I had Emily guide me through all the way through what has been the hardest part of my life, been around 3 years and today I got the decision I never thought I’d get. Again props to Emily for guiding and road mapping what has been a difficult time. Sorting out court dates, prepping for court, offering support and advice. It couldn’t of been done without you Emily so we as a family will be forever grateful.
Leyton
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Posted 13 November 2025
Emily was really good and helped last minute but nothing was too much trouble . She did a fantastic job wouldn't hesitate if I needed a solicitor again. 5 star service.
Laura
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Posted 12 November 2025
I recently engaged Ewan Paton from Rothera Bray – he was approachable, professional, and genuinely understanding throughout a difficult time. He took the time to explain everything clearly, kept me updated at every stage, and always made me feel at ease. His calm and practical approach gave me great confidence, and I couldn’t have asked for better support. I’d highly recommend Ewan to anyone needing reliable and compassionate legal advice.
Mr Morrison
Ann-Marie Bowman
Partner, Chairwoman & Head of Care
Ann-Marie Bowman is Partner and Chairwoman of East Midlands-based law firm Rothera Bray Solicitors. Working from our Nottingham and Derby offices, Ann-Marie remains highly committed to her fee-earning work in Family law, dealing with all aspects of children law.
Rebecca Emeleus
Partner & Head of Family
Rebecca is a Partner and Head of the family law team and is based at our Kayes walk, Nottingham office.
David Berridge
Partner
David has over 30 years’ experience practicing Family Law. He is one of the most experienced family solicitors in Leicestershire and deals with a wide variety of matters.
Sarah Gill
Partner
Sarah is an experienced matrimonial and family law solicitor, dealing with children matters including child care, financial issues following separation of married couples and divorce. She undertakes court work in Leicestershire, Northamptonshire & Warwickshire. She is based at our Market Harborough office.
Joanne Millward
Partner
Joanne Millward has over 30 years’ experience dealing in all areas of Family Law in our Nottingham Lace Market, Derby, Beeston and Mapperley offices.
Julie McCrery
Managing Associate
Julie McCrery is a Managing Associate in Rothera Bray’s Family Law team and is based at our Derby office but also covers Nottingham and the surrounding areas.
Emma Adcock
Senior Associate Solicitor
Emma Adcock is a Solicitor with over 20 years’ experience across a wide range of family law matters arising from relationship breakdown. Working from our West Bridgford office in Nottingham, she has significant experience in divorce and the accompanying financial settlements.
Charley Kelly
Associate Solicitor
Charley is an experienced Family Associate Solicitor who specialises in all areas of Family law. She acts for clients on a wide range of family issues including divorce, financial remedy and children matters. She is based at our Leicester office.
Emily Sherwood
Associate Solicitor
Emily Sherwood is an Associate Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family and Child Care department and is based at our Lace Market Nottingham and Derby offices.
Gurpreet Singh
Associate
Gurpreet Singh is an Associate in Rothera Bray’s Child Care department and is based at our Derby office.
Sophie Spreckley
Associate Solicitor
Sophie Spreckley is an Associate Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family Law team and is based at our Derby office but also covers Nottingham and the surrounding areas.
Jack English
Solicitor
Jack English is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family Law team and is based at our Beeston office but also covers Nottingham and the surrounding areas.
Rebecca Hudson
Solicitor
Rebecca is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family Law department and specialises in divorce and matrimonial work. She is based at our Lace Market office.
Gabriella Kent
Solicitor
Gabriella Kent is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Family and Child Care department and is based at our Nottingham Lace Market office.
Christopher Monro
Senior Solicitor
Chris is an experienced solicitor dealing with most areas of Family and Matrimonial Law and is based at our Market Harborough office.
Ewan Paton
Solicitor
Ewan is a Solicitor in the Family Law department and is based at our West Bridgford office.
Cindy Dodd
Managing Paralegal
Cindy Dodd is a Managing Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Divorce and Family Law team and is based at our Lace Market office in Nottingham city centre.
Gita Patel
Senior Legal Secretary
Gita Patel is a Senior Legal Secretary in the Family Law department at Rothera Bray and is based at our Leicester office.
Lorraine Lloyd
Paralegal
Lorraine is a Paralegal in the Divorce and Family Law department based at our Market Harborough office.
Tracey Cosgrove
Legal Secretary
Tracey is a legal secretary in the Family department based at our Leicester office.
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Gabriella Kent from Rothera Bray’s Family Law team provides comment for legal teams following the publication of the President of the Family Law Division’s new guidance.
Rothera Bray expands Family Law team with three new appointments
We’re delighted to announce that we have expanded our Family Law team with the appointments of Managing Associate Julie McCrery, Associate Sophie Spreckley, and Solicitor Jack English.
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As a family lawyer I come across all sorts of situations in family court cases, but one that is becoming more common is covert (secret) recordings of children or the other parent. It’s a difficult issue. One party might feel compelled to record, to substantiate their claims and stop false accusations. However, covert recordings have generally been frowned upon by the courts.
What to know before moving away with your child
Relocating with your child whether to another part of the UK or abroad can be a fresh start. However, it’s also a decision filled with legal and emotional complexities. If your child has regular contact with their other parent, the process may be more challenging than expected.
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Legal aid explained: who qualifies and how to apply
If you’re going through a family dispute, especially one involving your children, you might be worried about the cost of legal help. The good news? Legal aid could cover your legal fees if you meet certain criteria.