Apply for a forced marriage protection order
After you apply
You鈥檒l be sent a 鈥榥otice of proceedings鈥�. It鈥檒l tell you the date of your hearing.
You must arrange for the person named in the application (鈥榯he respondent鈥�) to be given (鈥榮erved鈥�) a copy of your application and witness statement. You can:
- ask the court to serve the documents
- get someone else to serve the documents
- serve the documents yourself if this does not put you in danger
You鈥檒l also have to download and fill in a statement of service to say where and when you served the documents - send this to the court.
Attend the hearing
Your case will usually be heard in private with you, the judge and your legal advisers.
You can get help and support at court.
You can ask for other help including:
- separate entrances, exits and waiting areas so you do not have to be in the same place as the person you鈥檙e making the order against
- protection at court, for example screens around the witness box
The court will provide an interpreter if you鈥檝e asked for one. They can translate what happens during the hearing but they cannot represent you or give you legal advice.
You might have to give evidence.
You might be able to have a relative or friend with you in court.
Get a decision
The judge may decide:
- that more information is needed
- to make a temporary 鈥榠nterim鈥� order
- to make an order which will continue until it鈥檚 cancelled or changed by the court
- that the person you鈥檝e applied for an injunction against must make an 鈥榰ndertaking鈥� (a promise) to do or not do something
You鈥檒l usually get a decision about the order at the hearing based on your individual circumstances, for example you鈥檒l get an order that stops your family forcing you into a marriage.
You鈥檒l get a copy of the order and any other court documents necessary.
After the hearing
You can apply to change or extend (鈥榲ary鈥�) or end (鈥榙ischarge鈥�) the order by filling in form FL403A.
You must arrange to give (鈥榮erve鈥�) a copy of the forced marriage protection order (if you get one) and any other court documents on the respondents and any other person named in the order.
You must also give the police both of the following:
- a copy of the order
- a statement saying you鈥檝e given a copy of the order to the respondents and anyone else named in the order
Take the order and statement to the police station nearest to your address unless you鈥檙e told otherwise.
Appeal a decision
You may be able to appeal against a decision if you think there鈥檚 been a serious mistake. You must get permission and you鈥檒l usually have to pay a fee. Read the guidance about how to make an appeal.
Make a complaint
Use the complaints guidance if you鈥檙e not happy with the way you鈥檝e been treated.