Forced Marriage Protection Order

Forced Marriage Protection Order Solicitors

Forced marriage is a serious violation of a person’s fundamental human rights. It occurs when one or both parties are married without their full and free consent — through the use of physical violence, emotional pressure, threats, manipulation, or deception. It is recognised as a form of domestic abuse and, since 2014, it has been a criminal offence in England and Wales. If you or someone you know is at risk of a forced marriage, or is already in one, it is vital that you seek legal advice as soon as possible. At Hi Solicitors, our specialist family law solicitors in Bolton provide urgent, confidential, and sensitive legal support to those who need it most.

How We Can Help

A Forced Marriage Protection Order (FMPO) is a civil court order made under the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007. It is one of the most powerful legal tools available to protect individuals from forced marriage and can be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. An FMPO can prohibit named individuals from taking steps to force a marriage, prevent a victim from being taken abroad without their consent, require the surrender of travel documents such as passports, and impose any other conditions the court considers necessary to protect the individual at risk. Applications can be made on an emergency basis, without notice to the other party, where there is an immediate threat to safety — meaning protection can be obtained very quickly when time is critical.

An FMPO can be applied for by the person at risk, by a relevant third party such as a local authority, or by any other person with the permission of the court. The application is made using form FL401A and is submitted to the Family Court. Our solicitors will guide you through every stage of this process — from the initial assessment of your situation, through the preparation and submission of the application, to representation at the court hearing itself. We understand that taking legal action against family members is an incredibly difficult step, and we will support you throughout with complete confidentiality, compassion, and professionalism. In cases where there are also concerns about domestic abuse or harassment, we can advise on related protective measures such as a Non-Molestation Order, which can be sought alongside or separately from an FMPO.

Why Choose Hi Solicitors?

At Hi Solicitors, we recognise that every forced marriage situation is unique and deeply personal. We approach every case with the utmost sensitivity and discretion, ensuring that you feel safe, heard, and supported from the moment you contact us. Our family law team has experience in handling urgent and sensitive applications, and we will act swiftly to protect you or your loved one wherever possible. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies for a Forced Marriage Protection Order, or if you are concerned about someone else who may be at risk, please do not hesitate to contact us for a confidential discussion. You can also read about our approach and client experiences on our testimonials page, or meet our team to find out more about the solicitors who will be supporting you.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 999. For confidential legal advice, contact Hi Solicitors today on 01204 371 414 or request your free initial consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a forced marriage? A forced marriage is one where a person is married without their full and free consent, through the use of pressure, threats, violence, or deception. It is distinct from an arranged marriage, where both parties freely agree to the union. Forced marriage has been a criminal offence in England and Wales since 2014.

What is a Forced Marriage Protection Order? A Forced Marriage Protection Order is a civil court order that can be used to protect someone at risk of or already in a forced marriage. It can include a wide range of conditions tailored to the individual’s circumstances, such as prohibiting named individuals from arranging or participating in a forced marriage, preventing travel abroad, or requiring the return of travel documents.

Who can apply for a Forced Marriage Protection Order? The person at risk can apply, as can a relevant third party such as a local authority. Any other person can also apply with the court’s permission — for example, a concerned friend, teacher, or professional. Our solicitors can advise you on who is best placed to make the application in your specific circumstances.

Can I get an emergency Forced Marriage Protection Order? Yes. Where there is an immediate risk to safety, an application can be made on an emergency basis without notifying the other party. Courts take these applications very seriously and can act quickly to provide protection when it is needed urgently.

What happens if someone breaches a Forced Marriage Protection Order? Breaching an FMPO is a criminal offence and can result in arrest and imprisonment. The court takes breaches extremely seriously, and our solicitors can advise you on the steps to take if an order is not being complied with.

Will my family be told I have applied for an order? In emergency applications, the order can be obtained without notifying the other party first. In other cases, the respondents will be given notice of the proceedings. Our solicitors will advise you on the most appropriate approach for your situation and will take all steps necessary to keep you safe throughout the process.

Is the process confidential? Yes. Everything you discuss with our solicitors is strictly confidential. We understand the sensitivity of these situations and will handle your case with the utmost discretion at every stage.