Someone has filed a protection from harassment case against if you receive either one of the following:
This is the process for responding to a protection from harassment application filed against you.
Understand the outcomes and respond
Find out the possible orders the court can make and how you can respond to the application, including how to prepare evidence.
Attend court
Both parties must attend a court session in which a judicial officer will attempt to resolve the dispute. If you are not able to settle the case, you need to attend a hearing in which a judge will decide whether to grant the order.
File other applications, if needed
You may appeal against a court order that you are not satisfied with, or set aside an order made in your absence if you missed a court session. You may also apply to change an order.
Refer to the Family Justice Courts Practice Directions 2024 as well as Appendix D for proceedings that are governed by the Family Justice (Protection from Harassment) Rules 2024.
It is not compulsory for individuals to engage a lawyer for protection from harassment applications. However, you may wish to seek independent legal advice on your options as the courts can only assist you with the filing process.
If you wish to be represented by a lawyer, your lawyer will need to do the following, depending on the nature of the case:
Companies, limited liability partnerships or unincorporated associations need to be represented by a lawyer, according to the Rules of Court 2021 (for proceedings in PHC) or Family Justice (General) Rules 2024 (for proceedings in FC).