A non-molestation order is a court order designed to protect you and your children from harassment, threats, or harm—often during or after a difficult separation. If you’re a parent going through an acrimonious divorce, especially where there are allegations of domestic abuse, it’s important to understand what these orders typically include and how they can be worded.

Below are examples of common prohibitions found in non-molestation orders, especially where children and ongoing contact are involved.

Typical Prohibitions in a Non-Molestation Order

1. No Threatening, Intimidating, or Pestering

   • The respondent must not use or threaten violence, intimidate, harass, or pester the applicant or the children, either directly or indirectly.
     
     

2. No Contact Except as Permitted

   • The respondent must not contact the applicant by telephone, text, email, social media, or any other means, except:

     • For arrangements regarding the children, communication must be limited to email or a court-approved app (such as Appclose), or as otherwise agreed in writing in advance.
       
       

3. No Attending the Home

   • The respondent must not go within a 200 meter radius to, enter, or attempt to enter the applicant’s home, except:

     • By prior written agreement with the applicant, or

     • If ordered by the court (for example, to collect belongings at a specified time).
       
       

4. No Attending the Children’s School or Nursery

   • The respondent must not go to, enter, or attempt to enter the children’s school or nursery, or approach them on the way to or from school, unless:

     • There is a court order permitting this, or

     • It is agreed in writing in advance by the applicant.
       
       

5. No Third-Party Contact

   • The respondent must not instruct or encourage any other person to do anything which they are forbidden from doing by this order.
     
     

6. Exclusion Zone

   • The respondent must not go within a specified distance (for example, 100 metres) of the applicant’s home, workplace, or the children’s school, unless otherwise agreed or ordered by the court.
     
     

7. No Posting on Social Media

   • The respondent must not post or share any information about the applicant or the children on social media or online forums.

Example Wording for a Non-Molestation Order

• The respondent, [Name], must not use or threaten violence against the applicant, [Name], or the children, or intimidate, harass, or pester them, whether directly or indirectly.
  
  

• The respondent must not contact the applicant by any means, except for arrangements regarding the children, which must be in writing via email or [agreed app], or as agreed in advance in writing.
  
  

• The respondent must not go to, enter, or attempt to enter the applicant’s home at [address], except by prior written agreement or court order.
  
  

• The respondent must not go to, enter, or attempt to enter [children’s school/nursery], or approach the children on their way to or from school, unless agreed in writing or ordered by the court.
  
  

• The respondent must not instruct or encourage any other person to do anything prohibited by this order.

Additional Points for Parents in High-Conflict Cases

• Orders can specify how and when handovers of children should take place, often at a neutral location or via a third party.
  
  

• If there are ongoing child arrangements proceedings, the order can clarify that it does not prevent the respondent from attending court or participating in proceedings.
  
  

• The order should state the right of the respondent to apply to vary or discharge the order if circumstances change.

Summary

A non-molestation order can be tailored to your family’s needs, especially where children are involved and there are concerns about safety or harassment.

The examples above reflect common prohibitions, but the court can include any terms necessary to protect you and your children. If you’re preparing your own draft, be as specific as possible about what you need to feel safe, and include clear exceptions for necessary contact about the children.

Need a bit more help? Upload your NMO draft to Caira for instant and judgement free feedback 24/7.