Protection Orders

What is a Protection (Intervention) Order?

A Protection Order is a court-issued order designed to keep people safe from family violence, harassment, or threats. Depending on where you live, it may be called an Intervention Order (IVO), Family Violence Intervention Order (FVIO), Apprehended Violence Order (AVO), Family Violence Restraining Order (FVRO), Family Violence Order (FVO) or Domestic Violence Order (DVO).

The names vary from state to states but the purpose is the same to provide protection and set clear boundaries.

If you are in immediate danger, call 000. For 24/7 confidential counselling and support, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.au

Making
Interim Arrangements
with an Order

When a Protection Order is in place, day-to-day arrangements can feel complicated. Parents still need to work out practical issues such as who the children live with, how changeovers happen, and how urgent financial matters are handled all while staying within the limits of the court order.

  • An order may limit direct contact (e.g. no face-to-face or no phone contact).

  • Changeovers for children may need to be at a safe location, or through a third party.

  • Communication might have to go through lawyers, mediators, or a parenting app.

What are interim arrangements?

Interim arrangements are short-term agreements that help families manage until a more permanent parenting or property settlement is reached. They are especially important where:

  • Parenting schedules need to start quickly

  • Bills, mortgage or rent must be paid

  • Communication between parents is restricted by an order

Responsive, Private, Effective - No waiting in line.

When an order is in place, timing matters, while government-funded services often have considerable wait times before both parties are seen, as a private service we can act quickly to bring you together to make important decisions and keep things moving forward.

Family Violence and Parenting Discussions

At Assent, we provide a safe, structured, and supportive environment for parents to discuss parenting arrangements while respecting the conditions of any existing orders.

Our mediators are trained in managing high-conflict situations and can help you:

  • Explore safe options for parenting arrangements after separation

  • Communicate in a structured, supported way without breaching court orders

  • Focus discussions on the wellbeing and best interests of your children

  • Reduce conflict and create clear, practical agreements tailored to your circumstances

If you are subject to, or protected by, a family violence or intervention order, we will carefully assess your situation and put safeguards in place before proceeding with any mediation or joint discussion.

Property & Financial Settlements under Orders

Family violence or intervention orders can also affect property and financial negotiations. These orders may limit communication or access to shared assets, which can make informal discussions unsafe or impractical.

We support you by:

  • Providing a structured process to safely exchange disclosure documents

  • Guiding discussions about interim financial arrangements and agreements for the division of assets, debts and superannuation

  • Helping you reach fair, workable settlements without unnecessary escalation

  • Ensuring that agreements are documented in a way that is legally recognised and protects you in the future

By managing both financial conversations within a safe, professional framework, we help you move forward with clarity and confidence even in complex or high-conflict circumstances.

How Mediation Is Delivered

We know flexibility matters. That’s why we offer both online and in-person mediation options.

Online Mediation

Available to clients Australia-wide, online mediation allows you to participate from the comfort of your own home. It’s secure, accessible, and ideal for those living in different locations or seeking convenience and privacy.

In-Person Mediation

For those who prefer to meet face-to-face, we offer in-person sessions at select locations. In-person mediation may be especially helpful for complex or emotionally sensitive matters.

Shuttle Mediation

Where preferred or needed, we offer shuttle mediation - where the parties are in separate rooms (or virtual spaces) and the mediator communicates between them. This can help reduce tension and support more productive discussions.

Support Persons Welcome

We understand that mediation can feel daunting. You are welcome to bring a support person to your mediation session (with prior notice). This could be a friend, family member, or professional support person - someone who can help you feel more at ease during the process.

Our team will guide you through what’s involved and ensure all participants understand their roles in supporting a respectful and constructive session.