Services

What is a Forced Marriage Protection Order (FMPO)?

A Forced Marriage Protection Order is a court order made under the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 to protect individuals at risk of being forced into a marriage or who have already been forced into one.Typical provisions of an FMPO may:

• Require a person or persons not to force you into a marriage

• Restrict contact or communication from those supporting the forced marriage

• Monitor and enforce breaches of the order

• Safeguard passports, travel documents or international removal

Securing a prompt FMPO can make the difference between being trapped in a forced marriage and retaining your freedom.

Why Choose Us for FMPO Advice & Representation?

• We are London-based solicitors with significant experience in forced marriage, child protection, and family law.

• We provide urgent, confidential, trauma-informed advice, recognising the sensitivity and urgency of forced marriage cases.

• We handle the full legal process: immediate protective advice, FMPO application preparation, court representation, and enforcement.

• We collaborate with specialist agencies, support organisations and authorities to provide holistic help beyond just legal work.

• We offer transparent funding advice — many forced marriage cases qualify for legal aid, and where not, we provide clear fixed-fee options.

Our Forced Marriage Protection Order Services

Emergency Advice & Intervention

We provide immediate legal guidance if you believe you are at risk of a forced marriage — including advice on travel restrictions, foreign jurisdictions, urgent protective action and liaison with police or the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

FMPO Application Preparation

We help you gather the necessary evidence, draft the application, prepare witness statements, and submit to the Family Court for a Forced Marriage Protection Order.

Court Representation & Enforcement

We represent you at hearings, monitor compliance with the order, assist with variations if circumstances change, and help you take action if the order is breached.

Advice for Victims Already in Forced Marriages

If you believe you have already been forced into a marriage, we can advise you on your legal options to escape the situation, apply for reconnection, annulment, or challenge the marriage’s validity — and obtain protective orders.

Support for Families & Third Parties

We advise family members, schools, employers and third parties seeking guidance on suspected forced marriage cases, preventive measures and safeguarding obligations.

Key Considerations & What You Should Know

• Time is critical — many forced marriages are arranged and executed quickly, often abroad; urgent legal action may be needed.

• Jurisdiction can be complex — some forced marriages involve travel overseas; we advise on international implications, cross-border enforcement and foreign law.

• Evidence & confidentiality — we guide you on gathering evidence (communications, travel documents, witness statements) while protecting your confidentiality and safety.

• Legal aid eligibility — many forced marriage protection cases are eligible for legal aid; we will assess your eligibility and explain funding options.

• Related legal issues — forced marriage may overlap with domestic abuse, human trafficking, child protection, immigration and criminal law; our team can coordinate across specialisms.

Our Process & Transparent Fees

1. Initial urgent consultation — available immediately, we assess risk, eligibility for protection, evidence and take immediate steps.

2. Strategy and plan — we determine whether to apply for an FMPO, advise on immediate safety measures, coordinate with support agencies.

3. Gathering evidence & application — we compile documentation, draft applications, lodge with the Family Court, liaise with parties and agencies.

4. Hearing and order — we represent you at court, secure the protective order, and explain what each clause means for your safety.

5. Follow-up, enforcement & ongoing support — we monitor compliance, advise on breaches, update orders if needed and support your longer-term legal needs (immigration, divorce, child arrangements).

Fees are agreed up front. If legal aid applies, we provide full details of your entitlement. For private funding, we offer clear, fixed-fee packages.

FAQs – Forced Marriage & Protection Orders