How we help
Domestic Violence

Clear advice when your safety, family or legal position is at stake.

Domestic and family violence matters can require careful and timely decisions. Whether you are seeking protection, responding to an application or dealing with related family law issues, understanding your legal position is an important first step.

Patterson & Co provides confidential advice and representation tailored to your circumstances, helping you understand your options and determine the appropriate way forward.

Advice and representation across domestic violence matters.

Domestic and family violence can take many forms, including physical, emotional, financial and psychological abuse, coercive control and threats. The appropriate legal response will depend on your circumstances, the protection required and any related parenting or family law issues.



Our Toowoomba family lawyers provide advice and representation in domestic violence matters, from applications for Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs) and urgent protection to responding to DVO applications and court proceedings. Where domestic violence intersects with parenting arrangements or other family law matters, we consider those issues as part of your broader legal position.

Responding to DVO Applications

Clear advice on your options when responding to a DVO application, including consenting without admissions, negotiating conditions or contesting the application.

Urgent Applications

Timely advice where urgent protection is required, including temporary protection orders, Police Protection Notices and Police Protection Directions.

Children & Domestic Violence

Advice on parenting arrangements where domestic violence or safety concerns may affect contact, supervised time or handovers.

Court Representation

Considered representation in domestic violence proceedings before the Toowoomba Magistrates Court, from preparation through to appearing in court.

Domestic Violence & Family Law

Advice on how domestic violence may affect parenting arrangements, property settlements and your broader family law position.

What to expect in a domestic violence matter

Understanding your position

The process starts by understanding your circumstances, any immediate concerns and the legal issues involved. From there, we provide clear advice about your position, your options and the steps that may be required.

Determining the right approach

Not every matter needs to proceed to a contested hearing. Where appropriate, options may include negotiation, agreed conditions or other avenues for resolution. We consider the circumstances and advise on the approach best suited to your matter.

Representation when required

Where a matter proceeds to court, we prepare carefully and represent you throughout the process. This includes preparing relevant evidence, advising you on what to expect and appearing on your behalf before the Toowoomba Magistrates Court.

I first met John in September and was immediately impressed by how genuine and friendly he is, the best family lawyer I’ve spoken to. Since then, my experience with Patterson’s has been exceptional. The entire team is highly professional, and their support has been outstanding. I highly recommend Patterson & Co, 5 stars.
From our clients - Anonymous

Understanding your position

Clear answers to common questions about Domestic Violence Orders, court proceedings and related family law matters.

What is domestic violence under Queensland law?
What is a Domestic Violence Order (DVO)?
Do I need to go to court for a DVO?
What should I do if a DVO application has been made against me?
How can domestic violence affect parenting arrangements?
What happens if a DVO is breached?
What is a Police Protection Notice or Police Protection Direction?
How long does a DVO last in Queensland?
Can a DVO be changed or cancelled?
What should I do if I need urgent protection?

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Fierce Representation

More about domestic violence

Coercive Control in QLD: What Hannah’s Law Means for Families

By Courtney Patterson • June 24, 2026
What is Hannah’s Law in Queensland? Hannah’s Law is a common name for Queensland’s recent domestic and family violence reforms that target coercive control. The reforms were introduced in stages after the death of Hannah Clarke and her three children in 2020. They include a new criminal offence of coercive control, stronger police powers, clearer evidence rules, and changes that recognise a pattern of abusive behaviour, not only single incidents. The aim is early intervention, better protection for children and victim-survivors, and stronger accountability for perpetrators. Under these reforms, coercive control is treated as a sustained course of conduct within an intimate relationship. It can include isolating a partner, monitoring communications, withholding money, constant threats, degrading language, technology-facilitated abuse, or sabotaging work and parenting. The law focuses on the pattern and its impact on the victim’s autonomy and safety. Queensland also strengthened related offences, such as choking in a domestic setting and unlawful stalking, and increased penalties for breaching protection orders. For families in Toowoomba, the changes affect both criminal and civil processes. Police in the Darling Downs district can investigate a pattern of controlling behaviour, not just physical assaults. The Toowoomba Magistrates Court hears applications for domestic violence orders […] The post Coercive Control in QLD: What Hannah’s Law Means for Families appeared first on Patterson & Co Family Law.

How Family Lawyers Help in Domestic Violence Cases

By Courtney Patterson • December 24, 2025
How Toowoomba family lawyers help in domestic violence cases Domestic and family violence is frightening and isolating. Caring Toowoomba family lawyers help you reclaim safety, make clear decisions, and navigate the court process with confidence. The law in Queensland recognises many forms of abuse, including physical harm, threats, coercive control, stalking, emotional abuse, technology-facilitated abuse, damage to property, and economic abuse. Protection is available under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012, and the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia can also make parenting and personal protection orders. Your legal team can coordinate both pathways so you do not have to repeat your story or risk gaps in protection. In Toowoomba, domestic violence applications are heard in the Magistrates Court. Parenting and property issues run in the federal family courts, often by video link or on a local circuit. Skilled family lawyers connect the dots. They prioritise safety, file urgent applications for protection orders if needed, organise safe attendance at court, and seek tailored conditions, such as no contact, no approach at home or work, and the respondent’s eviction from a shared residence. They also ensure parenting arrangements reflect the risk and do not expose children to further […] The post How Family Lawyers Help in Domestic Violence Cases appeared first on Patterson & Co Family Law.

Applying for a DVO in Toowoomba

By Courtney Patterson • November 10, 2025
Understanding Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs) in Queensland If you’re applying for a DVO, it’s important to understand what these orders are and how they work. A domestic violence order, often called a DVO or protection order, is a civil court order that aims to keep people safe from domestic and family violence. In Queensland, the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 governs these orders. The Toowoomba Magistrates Court hears local applications. The court can make an urgent temporary order, then decide a final order after both sides have a chance to be heard. The person who needs protection is the aggrieved. The person alleged to have used domestic violence is the respondent. The order can also protect children, relatives, or new partners as named persons. Police can apply. An adult authorised by the aggrieved can also apply. The court uses the civil standard of proof. It must be satisfied that a relevant relationship exists, that domestic violence occurred, and that an order is necessary or desirable to protect the aggrieved. Domestic violence includes more than assault. It covers threats, coercive control, stalking, unauthorised surveillance, emotional and psychological abuse, and economic abuse. It also includes property damage and harm to […] The post Applying for a DVO in Toowoomba appeared first on Patterson & Co Family Law.

Separated, but Your Property Settlement Still Isn’t Sorted?

By Courtney Patterson • October 1, 2026
Separated but your property settlement is still unresolved? Understand the time limits, what may have changed and your options for finalising it.

When An Informal Parenting Arrangement Stops Working

By Courtney Patterson • October 1, 2026
When informal parenting arrangements stop working, understand your options for parenting plans, consent orders and resolving disagreements.

Before You Make a Move, Understand Your Position.

By Courtney Patterson • October 1, 2026
Considering separation? Learn what to consider before making decisions about your family home, finances, parenting arrangements and next steps.

The right advice matters.

Speak with Patterson & Co about your circumstances and the legal options available to you.