Non-Molestation Orders
======================

[Ayesha Vardag](https://vardags.com/solicitors/ayesha-vardag) | Founder & President | 12th June 2025



Separation and divorce may often not be the end of a relationship. Unfortunately, spouses or ex-spouses can be abusive or controlling, and you may be forced to act against the negative behaviour.

**If you're considering or going through a divorce involving a non-molestation order, click below for a free initial consultation with one of our expert divorce solicitors.**

[BOOK FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact "BOOK FREE CONSULTATION")

### **What are non-molestation orders?**

A non-molestation order (or "non-mol") is one of the court's key powers in cases involving domestic violence. The order prevents a person from harassing or threatening you. They can also extend to cases involving:

- Acts or threats of violence,

- Abusive language,

- Physical, emotional, financial and sexual abuse,

- Stalking, and

- Online abuse.

Depending on the drafting and the severity of your case, the non-molestation order can be drafted to prevent your spouse from contacting you or going near you. If the order is breached for any reason, the offending party can face significant penalties.

If a person breaches a non-molestation order, it is both civil contempt (leading to a possible fine or imprisonment) and a criminal offence. They can be immediately arrested and face up to five years in prison for such a breach. Where a victim feels that a non-molestation order would be too strong, it is possible to agree undertakings - a solemn promise to the court. If the terms of the undertakings are breached, it remains civil contempt but is not a criminal offence.

*Vardags' team of top divorce lawyers delivers a bespoke legal service to HNW and UHNW individuals, their families, and businesses.*



About Us
--------

 

Ayesha VardagFounder & President

"A DIVORCE LAWYER WIDELY REGARDED AS ONE OF THE WORLD'S BEST"

The Metro

Vardags offer a unique approach to the law, specially tailored to the needs of HNW individuals. We offer City-quality representation for your divorce and family law needs. Our lawyers come from the very best universities and receive the very best training - they are determined, diligent, and dedicated to getting the best outcome... [read more](https://vardags.com/about-us)

[BOOK FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact)



Related Guides
--------------

[Coercive and controlling behaviour and economic abuse](https://vardags.com/law-guide/financial-proceedings/coercive-and-controlling-behaviour-and-economic-abuse "Coercive and controlling behaviour and economic abuse")

[Financial Remedy Orders](https://vardags.com/law-guide/financial-proceedings/financial-remedy-orders "Financial Remedy Orders")

[Guide to Restraining Orders](https://vardags.com/law-guide/litigation-basics/guide-to-restraining-orders "Guide to Restraining Orders")

[Hadkinson Orders](https://vardags.com/law-guide/financial-proceedings/hadkinson-orders "Hadkinson Orders")

[Legal Services Payment Order](https://vardags.com/law-guide/financial-proceedings/legal-services-order "Legal Services Payment Order")

[Occupation Orders](https://vardags.com/law-guide/financial-proceedings/occupation-orders "Occupation Orders")



Glossary Reference
------------------

### Non-molestation order

An order of the court preventing one party from harrassing or threatening the other. Breach of such an order is a criminal offence.









FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
--------------------------



Though uncommon, false allegations of domestic violence can be extremely distressing. As leading family lawyers, Vardags can defend such claims while putting forward your case. Where false allegations are made before the court, the consequences can be very serious. Under an occupation or non-molestation order you could be removed from your home or arrested by the police.

[FIND OUT MORE](https://vardags.com/faq/divorce/false-allegations-domestic-violence "What if my spouse makes false allegations of domestic violence?")







The information on this website is intended as a guide and does not constitute legal advice. Vardags do not accept liability for any errors in the information on this website, nor any losses stemming from reliance upon the statements made herein. All articles and pages aim to reflect the legal position at time they were published, and may have been rendered obsolete by subsequent developments in the law. Should you require specialist advice, tailored to your situation, please see how Vardags can help you.



AUTHOR
------

Ayesha Vardag

"Britain's top divorce lawyer" Ayesha Vardag rose to fame for winning the landmark Supreme Court case of Radmacher v Granatino in 2010, changing the law to make prenuptial agreements legally enforceable in England and Wales. The founder and President of Vardags, Ayesha specialises in high-net-worth divorce, often with an international...

[READ MORE](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/ayesha-vardag "Ayesha Vardag")





What our clients say
--------------------

I always felt I was in the best hands, I highly recommend them!

Alessandra Arrigoni



Thanks to Emma and the team for the outstanding handling of my case. Throughout the months of my ongoing case I was kept informed and updated at all times never left wondering what was happening or where I stood. From meeting...  Emma I felt instantly that my case was in good (understatement) hands, she has a friendly personal approach as well as so much expertise in the handling of family law cases. I feel so grateful to have had Emma and her team handle my case and for the outcome! Thank you!

Emily Calvin



Very comprehensive service with excellent in house expertise. They helped me achieve an outcome that was beyond my expectations.

Paul Stringer



I feel safer and not alone, knowing that I have Nicola's support - securing her to act for me was a huge weight lifted. No matter what the result, I am confident that she will have secured the best outcome possible.

C



I hope you don't need it, but if you do, I would highly recommend Vardags.

Xiao Ma



I found myself in a position that I quite simply never dreamt I would be in in a million years. I went to Vardags, initially for advice. All my options were laid out in a very professional yet personal way. We decided to go down...  a particular route and as my situation changed , so did the route that Vardags recommended. I had never felt so vulnerable in all my life and so it was very comforting to feel supported at all times.

Anya Atkins













OUR LEADERSHIP TEAM
-------------------

[### Ayesha Vardag](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/ayesha-vardag "Ayesha Vardag Founder & President Divorce & Family")

[### Stephen Bence](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/stephen-bence "Stephen Bence Vardags CEO")

[### David Lister](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/david-lister "David Lister")



[Founder & President](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/ayesha-vardag "Ayesha Vardag Founder & President Divorce & Family")

[Chief Executive Officer](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/stephen-bence "Stephen Bence Vardags CEO")

[Senior Partner and Head of London Family - Divorce & Family](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/david-lister "David Lister")



[### Ayesha Vardag

Founder & President](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/ayesha-vardag "Ayesha Vardag Founder & President Divorce & Family")"Ayesha Vardag - Britain's top divorce lawyer." 

The Telegraph



[### Stephen Bence

Chief Executive Officer](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/stephen-bence "Stephen Bence Vardags CEO")"Dr Stephen Bence is a financial genius." 

Lewis Marks KC



[### David Lister

Senior Partner and Head of London Family - Divorce & Family ](https://vardags.com/solicitors/london/david-lister "David Lister")"Brilliant with a real spark which clients love" 

Legal 500







[Meet the rest of the team](https://vardags.com/team)







[Vardags climbs ranks of UK's biggest firms in The Lawyer's UK 200](https://vardags.com/posts/vardags-london-climbs-ranks-of-uks-biggest-firms-in-the-lawyers-uk-200)