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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Domestic violence - sometimes called family violence - covers physical, sexual, psychological, emotional and financial abuse between people in an intimate or family-type relationship. In Feilding, which is part of the Manawatu-Whanganui region, New Zealand law and local services operate the same as elsewhere in the country. Police, courts and community agencies respond to incidents, provide protection and support, and can bring criminal or civil proceedings when required.
This guide explains how the law applies, why you might need a lawyer, what local legal options exist, common questions people ask, where to get help, and practical next steps. It is for general information only and is not legal advice. If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services right away.
Domestic violence matters often involve urgent safety issues, criminal charges, family court processes, child protection concerns and legal questions about property, custody and contact. A lawyer can:
- Explain your legal options and likely outcomes based on the facts of your case.
- Help you obtain or respond to protection orders from the Family Court.
- Represent you in criminal proceedings if charges are laid, or advise you if you are the person accused.
- Apply for or advise on bail conditions, interim orders and arrangements affecting children, housing and finances.
- Help you access Legal Aid if you cannot afford a private lawyer.
- Prepare evidence, statements and applications so your position is presented clearly and effectively to the police, courts and other agencies.
Key legal frameworks and processes relevant to domestic violence in Feilding include:
- Statutory protections: The Domestic Violence Act 1995 provides for protection orders to prevent further family violence. Protection orders can restrict contact, require a person to leave a shared home, and impose other conditions for safety.
- Criminal law: Acts of physical or sexual violence, threats, stalking and some types of coercive behaviour can lead to criminal charges under the Crimes Act and related statutes. Police investigate and the public prosecutor decides whether to charge.
- Family Court: The Family Court can make protection orders and also address parenting, care of children and related family law issues when safety or welfare of children is at stake.
- Police powers: Local police in Feilding can respond to family violence calls, arrest where appropriate and take immediate steps to protect victims. Police may apply to the court for interim measures in urgent situations.
- Civil remedies and support: In addition to criminal and Family Court routes, victims can access civil remedies, social services and specialist support agencies. Eligibility for Legal Aid depends on income, assets and the merits of the case.
Domestic violence includes physical assault, threats, intimidation, sexual violence, psychological or emotional abuse, harassment, and controlling behaviours such as isolating you from family, controlling money or coercive control. The law focuses on behaviour that causes fear, harm or risk to a person within a family or intimate relationship.
You can apply to the Family Court for a protection order which, if granted, can stop the respondent from contacting you, coming near your home, workplace or children, and can require them to leave shared premises. A lawyer or court staff can help you prepare the application. Protection orders can include specific conditions tailored to safety needs.
Yes. If you are in danger call emergency services. Police can attend, separate parties, arrest where there are grounds and refer evidence to the public prosecutor. Whether charges are laid depends on the strength of the evidence and prosecutorial decisions. Police can also support applications for urgent court protection measures.
If you are in immediate danger call emergency services. If it is not urgent, consider contacting local police, Victim Support or a specialist family violence service for safety planning. Preserve evidence where possible - for example photos of injuries, medical reports, messages and any witness details - but only if it is safe to do so.
The Family Court can issue protection orders that include provisions about children's safety and contact. Child welfare is a primary concern - the court may make provisional arrangements to protect children and can involve other agencies if child safety is a concern. Legal representation helps ensure your concerns about children are properly presented.
Legal Aid is available in New Zealand for eligible people who meet financial and merit tests. Legal Aid can help cover lawyers fees for protection order applications, court appearances and criminal defence in some circumstances. Contact a Legal Aid office or a community law centre to check your eligibility.
If you are accused, seek legal advice as soon as possible. Do not contact the alleged victim if there are restrictions in place. Understand any bail or court conditions and gather any evidence or witnesses that support your position. A lawyer can advise on defence strategies and communication with police and the court.
Yes, protection orders can include conditions that require a respondent to leave a shared home or prohibit them from returning. Where there are shared rental or property arrangements, the court and other agencies can help sort out temporary living arrangements, but long-term property disputes may require separate legal action.
Protection orders can be made for fixed terms or indefinitely depending on the circumstances. Either party can apply to the court to vary or discharge an order, but the court will consider safety and risk before making changes. Your lawyer can advise whether a variation application is appropriate.
Local services include police, Victim Support, community law centres, and specialist family violence and women s services. Health providers, social service agencies and local iwi or community groups can assist with counselling, safety planning, housing, and financial support. If children are involved, child protection services may also be engaged.
Below are the types of organisations and agencies that people in Feilding commonly use for help. Contact details vary, so check local listings or ask the police or a community centre to point you to the nearest service.
- Local police station - for immediate safety and reporting incidents.
- Family Court - for protection orders and family law matters; regional courts are typically based in larger centres near Feilding.
- Victim Support - provides practical and emotional support after incidents of violence.
- Community Law Centres - provide free legal information and help with applications in some cases.
- Legal Aid - government funded assistance for eligible people who need legal representation.
- Women s Refuge and specialist family violence services - offer safe accommodation, advocacy and safety planning for women and children.
- Ministry for Children - Oranga Tamariki - when there are concerns about child safety and welfare.
- Ministry of Justice and Ministry for Women - provide national policy and guidance on family and domestic violence responses.
- Local health services and general practitioners - for injury treatment, documentation and referrals to specialist services.
If you need immediate help - call emergency services right away.
If you are not in immediate danger but need legal assistance, follow these practical steps:
- Record details - note dates, times, descriptions of incidents, injuries and witnesses. Keep any physical evidence and copies of messages safely.
- Contact police - report incidents so there is an official record and so police can take action if needed.
- Seek support - reach out to Victim Support, a local family violence service, or a trusted local organisation for safety planning and emotional support.
- Get legal advice - contact a community law centre, family lawyer or Legal Aid office to discuss protection orders, criminal matters, and options regarding children, housing and finances.
- Consider safety planning - prepare a plan for leaving quickly if needed, including packing a bag with essentials, identifying safe places to go, and informing trusted people.
- Keep communications safe - follow any protection order conditions and get legal advice before making agreements with the other party.
Remember that every situation is different. A lawyer with experience in domestic violence and family law can explain the legal steps that best protect you and your children, help you apply for orders, and represent you in court when necessary.
