If you or someone you care about is facing pressure or coercion into marriage, a Forced Marriage Protection Order (FMPO) can provide urgent legal protection. At Reeds Solicitors we specialise in assisting people across England and Wales to obtain FMPOs under the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007. Our expert Family Law Solicitors provide compassionate, discreet legal advice that is designed to protect your safety and human rights.
If you are being forced into a marriage you don’t want, you are probably feeling scared, isolated and unsure who to turn to. When you instruct us, you can trust you’ll receive empathy and confidentiality.
Your safety is our top priority.
We work closely with specialist charities, social services, and local authorities to ensure you have a comprehensive protection plan. We recognise the cultural complexities involved and offer respectful, inclusive legal advice and representation. We also have translators available if you require one.
A Forced Marriage Protection Order can prevent forced overseas travel, restrict contact from people trying to threaten or pressure you, and/or safeguard you in specified locations. If the risk is immediate, our team helps you apply for an urgent without-notice interim order. We support you through every step, from the required forms to preparing evidence and attending hearings.
Whether you’re searching for “how to get a forced marriage protection order UK” or “legal help to stop forced marriage for a child”, we offer sensitive and clear guidance. Breaching an FMPO is a criminal offence overseen by the courts and police. We help you understand the criminal and civil consequences for everyone in connection with the FMPO, for example your parents or relatives of your intended spouse.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 111 immediately.
You do not need to face this alone. To apply for a Forced Marriage Protection Order, please reach out via our website contact page, phone 0333 240 7373, or email [email protected].
How we can help
- Unparalleled Expertise: Our Family Law and Care Proceedings team include accredited members of the Law Society’s Children’s Panel and members of Resolution. All have extensive experience and expertise in family matters, with some having contributed to books and articles on the subject. Our Care Proceedings Solicitors are instructed by members of the public, professional agencies such as CAFCASS, and Local Authorities.
- Care and compassion: We will be firm when it comes to protecting your rights, the best interests of your children, and achieving the best outcome. But we believe family law is ultimately about people and understanding how devasting and emotional matters such as divorce, care proceedings, and child abduction can be. You are never just a client number to us; we will be there to support you and give you legal advice and representation you can trust.
- Fast acting and proactive: Some family law matters, such as getting Non-Molestation Orders and Port Orders for potential child abductions, require speed and tenacity to ensure you are protected. We know how the Court system works and have robust relationships with Local Authorities and the Police. Our Divorce Solicitors are familiar with common tactics used to stall financial settlement proceedings, especially in international and high-net-worth divorces. They will proactively enact strategies to ensure your case keeps moving forward.
- Comprehensive Services: Our Family Law Solicitors can help you with a full range of family matters, including but not limited to divorce, high net worth divorce, children’s law, care proceedings and PLO meetings, child abduction, Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders, and more. Regardless of how complicated your case is, we can provide the expertise and experience you need.
- Confidentiality and Discretion: Family law matters, especially those involving high net worth divorce and children, can be extremely sensitive. Rest assured, all discussions and information shared with our team are strictly confidential. Your privacy and reputation are paramount to us.
Forced Marriage Protection Order FAQs
What is a forced marriage?
A forced marriage occurs when one or both parties do not, or in some cases cannot, give their free and informed consent to the marriage, for example, due to certain learning or physical disabilities or age. It often involves pressure, coercion, or abuse by family members or others in the community to ensure the marriage goes ahead. Under section 63A(4) of the Family Law Act 1996, a forced marriage is where a person is made to enter into a marriage without one’s free and full consent. The person exerting the pressure may be one of the parties to the marriage or a third party, such as a parent or sibling.
What is a Forced Marriage Protection Order?
A Forced Marriage Protection Order (FMPO) protects people who are being forced into a marriage or are at risk. It is a civil order made by the Family Court under the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007. It can prevent a person being taken abroad or coerced into marriage.
Who can apply for an FMPO?
You can apply for an FMPO for yourself or on behalf of someone else, including a child. Applications can be made urgently and without the other person being notified. Support is available from legal professionals and specialist charities.
What can an FMPO include?
Each order is tailored to the situation. It may prohibit contact, require the surrender of passports, or prevent someone from leaving the country. It can also direct a person to stay away from certain locations. The aim is to prevent any step towards a forced marriage.
Is breaching a Forced Marriage Protection Order a criminal offence?
Yes. Breaching an FMPO is a criminal offence under section 63CA of the Family Law Act 1996. The person can be arrested and prosecuted. The court may also deal with the breach as a civil contempt. In either case, the protection of the vulnerable person is the court’s priority.
Can an FMPO be made after someone has already been taken abroad?
Yes. The court can issue an order even after the person has left the UK. The authorities can work with embassies, police, and family members to locate and protect the individual. Time is critical, so urgent legal advice should be sought if someone is at risk.
To apply for a Forced Marriage Protection Order, please reach out via our website contact page, phone 0333 240 7373, or email [email protected] in the strictest of confidence.