How to Apply for a DVO
in Queensland
If you are experiencing domestic violence and need a protection order, this page explains how the application process works, what you need to prepare, and what happens at court. In many cases, police apply for a DVO on your behalf after attending an incident. If police have not applied — or if their application does not cover what you need — you can apply privately. Either way, you do not have to do this alone. If you are in immediate danger, call 000. For crisis support and safety planning, see safety information and crisis contacts .
Two Ways a DVO Application Starts
Under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld), a DVO application can be made in two ways. Police apply on your behalf If police attend a domestic violence incident, they are required to investigate (section 100). If the officer reasonably believes domestic violence has been committed, they must consider what action is needed to protect you — and one of the most common actions is…
What the Court Needs to Be Satisfied Of
To make a protection order, the court must be satisfied of three things under section 37 of the Act: A relevant relationship exists between you and the respondent — this includes intimate personal relationships (spouses, de facto partners, and couples), family relationships, and informal care relationships The respondent has committed domestic violence against you — domestic violence includes…
Urgent Protection — Temporary Orders
If you are at immediate risk, you do not need to wait for the full application to be heard. There are two mechanisms for urgent protection. Temporary protection order (TPO) When you file a DVO application, the court can make a temporary protection order on the same day — even before the respondent has been served with the application. Under section 44 of the Act, the court can make a TPO whenever…
What Evidence Supports an Application
The affidavit you file with the application is the primary evidence. It should set out the conduct you have experienced — specific incidents, dates where possible, and the effect on you and any children. Supporting evidence can include: Text messages, emails, and social media messages — screenshots showing threats, abuse, or controlling behaviour Photographs — of injuries, damaged property, or any…
What Happens at Court
The first mention After the application is filed and served on the respondent, the matter is listed for a first mention at the Magistrates Court. This is not a hearing — it is a procedural appearance where the court establishes what is happening with the matter. At the first mention, one of three things happens: The respondent consents. The order is made by consent — without the respondent…
Negotiating the Conditions
The conditions of a DVO are not set in stone by the application. They are negotiable — and getting the right conditions matters more than simply getting an order made. Common conditions include: No contact — no communication by any means, including through third parties No approach — not approaching within a set distance of your home, workplace, or children's school Exclusion from the home — the…
After the Order Is Made
Once a final DVO is made, the conditions are legally binding on the respondent. A standard DVO lasts for five years under section 97 of the Act, though the court can order a shorter or longer period. After the order: The respondent must comply with every condition. Breaching any condition — even a minor one — is a criminal offence under section 177, carrying up to three years' imprisonment, or…
The Cost
Civic Law handles DVO applications on a fixed fee basis. No hourly rate. No hidden charges. DVO application — uncontested — $2,500 — consultation, preparation of the application and supporting affidavit, advice on interim orders, and court appearance DVO contested hearing — $4,800 — if the respondent opposes the order and the matter goes to a full hearing All fees +10% GST. The fee is confirmed…