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Domestic Violence Lawyers in Sunshine Coast

"You may feel weak, but the strength to leave is within you. Within you is the strength to overcome and achieve that which you deserve."
- From Stories of Survivors

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Domestic and Family Violence Lawyers

Keeping you safe

Everyone has the right to live without fear of violence or abuse. If your partner, or a person’s family member, has threatened or committed domestic violence against you or your children, get help from the police. Call (07) 5616-8580 if you think you’re in immediate danger, or call our office for more information on how our domestic violence lawyers can help.

It’s important to understand that you don’t have to face this alone. There are avenues of support available to help you remove yourself from the situation. To that end, family law firms such as ours are here to help.

a mother protecting her daughter from domestic violence
Domestic Violence

What is domestic violence?

While many people think domestic violence only extends to physical violence, it actually encompasses any behaviour that aims to control or dominate an intimate partner. This may include:

What can you do if you're experiencing domestic violence?

Apply for a domestic violence protection order

Complete the form ‘DV01 – application for a protection order’;
Sign the statutory declaration in the presence of a Justice of the Peace;
File the application at a Magistrates court.

Tips when applying for domestic violence orders

Include as much information as possible in your application, like what violence or threats were made, where the incidents occurred, and when. You can list your children’s names in the order to have them covered by it as well.

Once protection order applications are made, the police will serve them on the person committing the acts. This is so they may know what’s been said and respond in the local court.

Protection orders are generally in effect for five years unless otherwise stated in the order itself.

a woman experiencing domestic violence
Domestic and Family Violence Protection

Breaching a protection order

A protection order is legally binding, and it is an offence to breach them. Such offences are punishable by imprisonment of up to three years the first time it occurs and up to five years imprisonment for a subsequent breach.

Domestic violence laws are codified in the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012, which provides protection orders. These orders work in concert with other family law orders, and the Magistrate will consider all orders in place when deciding on a domestic violence order.

Apply for an urgent temporary protection order

Suppose you think you are in immediate danger and cannot wait for a domestic violence order to be provided by the Magistrate. In that case, you can apply for a temporary protection order, ensuring you are protected while the court is undergoing the protection order process.

As the name suggests, temporary orders are only in effect for a short time. They are removed once a decision has been made on a full protection order.

urgent temporary domestic violence protection

Ask the police to file domestic violence charges with the person being violent

If you’re experiencing family violence or any domestic violence matters, call 000 and ask law enforcement to charge the offender. They may be charged with:

Officers can also issue police protection notices on the spot while a full protection order is made in court.
Queensland Police

Do I need legal advice?

You may need legal advice if:

You or your children are at risk of domestic or family violence or abuse. In these circumstances, involving law enforcement and the courts will be necessary;
You need help to work out a plan to leave a relationship safely;
You had an order interstate or overseas and want to register it in Queensland;
You want to apply for a domestic violence protection order;
Someone has applied for a domestic violence protection order against you. It’s important not to unintentionally make the situation worse, and only respond through the appropriate channels. Our lawyers can assist you with this;
You have been issued with a police protection notice;
You want to change a domestic violence protection order. A number of changes can be made to an existing order, such as:
You had an order interstate or overseas and want to register it in Queensland;
Luke Shanahan

Contact a Domestic Violence Lawyer Today

At Shanahan Family Law, we work hard to get our clients the best possible result at the most challenging times in their lives, whatever their needs are.

When dealing with domestic and family violence cases, many additional family law matters may come into play. These can include reconsidering parenting arrangements, child custody, and initiating divorce application proceedings. With the help of experienced domestic violence lawyers and our comprehensive legal services, you can start a new life path sooner than you think.

Joint applications for divorce

Let's work together

Even a joint divorce application can be daunting, let alone when you’re considering filing for a divorce online. Perhaps you have questions about submitting your application to the courts, or you aren’t sure where to start. We’re here to help guide you through the process.

Interested in chatting more about a joint divorce application?

Meet The Owner

Luke Shanahan​

Principal Solicitor​

As principal solicitor of Shanahan Family Law in Maroochydore, Luke Shanahan is a reliable and experienced Sunshine Coast family law expert, offering compassionate support to people and families experiencing the most difficult circumstances through a divorce or separation. Whether you’re seeking help with child support, parenting matters, divorce, property consent orders, financial agreements, domestic violence, joint applications for divorce, or the preparation of DIY affidavits and consent orders, Luke can help.

As sad as it is to see couples and families split, he feels privileged to be able to help his clients find a better life through their family law services. “I believe we all deserve a second chance at finding a better life, and if this is through a divorce, then we will do everything we can to ensure our client’s success through whatever means.”

Luke-Shanahan-profile-photo-2022

Take a look at what our clients say

Testimonials

Robert Johnston
Robert Johnston
2023-12-18
I was very happy with my experience at Shanahan Family Law. Danyelle guided me through the property settlement and a satisfactory outcome was reached. This was achieved without going to mediation or court.
Diana Homer
Diana Homer
2023-09-28
Very professional, supportive and respectful in all communications and responsibilities. I found their team very patient when challenges occured and kept me informed at all times. Highly recommend them, for personal legal requirements.
Jodie Hickson
Jodie Hickson
2023-08-31
Many thanks to the hard working team at Shanahan law. All such professionals.
Trace Mcnamara
Trace Mcnamara
2023-08-30
I was pleasantly surprised from the very beginning with my experience with shanahans family law ,from the reception staff at shanahans ,who were lovely and tentative and at how comfortable and at ease Danielle O’Connor from shanahans family law made me feel from Our very first phone consult to attending court with me each time , Danielle constantly reassured me that she had things taken care of and not to worry about anything ,she kept me calm and relaxed about things at a time when my anxiety level was very high , but certainly not after meeting up with Danielle each time , Danielle was always punctual bright and cheerful and Danielles compassion for her clients shines through ,her passion for her work is very obvious , Danielle ALWAYS went out of her way to reassure me everything was ok like a long lost friend not just once but every single time without fail ,Danielle is just so lovely to be around her compassion, personality ,demeanour and easy going nature makes it a pleasant experience just being around her ,watching Danielle work with such competency ,multi tasking whilst also listening to me at the same time was also very reassuring , her interactions with the magistrate ,other solicitors and the way she Carries herself is also inspiring to watch ,I could honestly not recommend Danielle O’Connor at shanahans enough,she even took the time to come in for my case alone whilst she was on a well deserved leave break, wich I felt terrible about but am more than grateful for as it made all the difference to my case, even though our case is now over with an amazing win ( THANKYOU DANIELLE ) I feel like I am missing a friend. If you ever need a solicitor and are very stressed about a case Danielle O’Connor is definitely who I would recommend, Danielle was also very understanding of monetary issues and did her best at all times to keep costs at a minimum for me wich I also appreciated a great deal , also I would also like to mention Travis Terracall who was also very compassionate and caring and seemed to understand my situation, I wanted to let Travis know that I appreciated his empathy towards my situation at the time . It certainly helped me. If I could have give 100 stars I would . I hope both you and you partner have a very beautiful relaxed and lovely well deserved holiday break Danielle, I’m so sorry It was interrupted due to my case and again Thank you so much not just for your amazing work but your beautiful kindness and compassion . And just being you ! with much gratitude Tracy McNamara 🌸🫶😊
David Fenech
David Fenech
2023-08-28
Highly recommend Shanahan Family Law and Lindsay Nicholson for all your family law needs.
Nathan Batley
Nathan Batley
2022-08-11
I found this firm excellent to deal with. I had received some exorbitant quotes for executing what was really quite a straightforward matter in my case. Shanahans were prompt, professional and fairly priced. I've was very happy with their service.
Chris Mehonoshen
Chris Mehonoshen
2022-04-05
Having experienced the sunny disposition of Danielle at Shanahan Family Law I can say that anyone would be in good hands. Danielle is very understanding and shows great insight in analysing the situation and cutting to the heart of the matter. Both Danielle and Shanahan Law are very professional and respond promptly in a care manner. Very happy with my choice there.
Nicole Mcmullen
Nicole Mcmullen
2021-12-14
I can highly recommend Luke and his associates for their professionalism and thoughtfulness. I really didn't know what to expect when I needed the advice and assistance of a solicitor, but Luke has been extremely patient and kind in leading me through this process.

Get legal advice

It’s essential to seek legal assistance if you are suffering from domestic violence or any family violence matters. Seek legal advice from our Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast domestic violence lawyers. Our family lawyers have extensive experience and will work to find the best outcome for you and your family members.

If you are financially vulnerable, we recommend getting legal aid support. Alternatively, you can reach out to a not-for-profit organisation like Sunshine Coast DVF Coordination.

Picture_of_luke_shanahan_working | Family Lawyer Sunshine Coast | Domestic Violence Lawyer

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