Served with a non-molestation order? Get free help to respond.
Free advisor help for respondents, including your FL435 response form, your return hearing and a free check of whether you qualify for legal aid. We cover every town in England and Wales.
- Free to speak to an advisor
- Free legal aid check
- FL435 typed up for you
- Return hearing support
- Confidential
Speak to a free advisor
Tell us your hearing date. We'll call you back, usually the same working day.
What to do if a non-molestation order has been made against you
Most respondents are served without warning and have only a few days before the court hearing. Here is the process in four steps.
Read & obey the order
Check exactly what you must not do, the end date and the return hearing date on the order. The order binds you from the moment it is served.
Speak to a free advisor
Call-back from our team. We explain your options and check your legal aid eligibility free of charge.
Send the FL435
Tell the court whether you agree, offer an undertaking or oppose. It must reach court at least 5 working days before the hearing.
Attend the return hearing
The judge decides whether the order continues, changes or ends. With legal aid, a solicitor can represent you.
How we help respondents
Whether you want to agree, negotiate or fight the order, we help you take the right next step quickly.
FL435 response form
We help you complete the FL435 Response to a Non-Molestation Order form and your response statement in clear, court-ready language.
FL435 guide →Free legal aid check
Respondents can get legal aid if they pass the means and merits tests. We check this for free and refer you to legal aid solicitors.
Legal aid for respondents →Return hearing
Know what happens at court, what the judge will ask, and your options: consent without admissions, undertakings or a contested hearing.
Return hearing guide →False allegations
If the allegations are untrue or exaggerated, learn how to challenge them properly and what evidence to gather now.
How to defend or contest an order →Occupation orders
Removed from your home? Find out how occupation orders work and how to ask the court to change or discharge them.
Occupation orders →Children & contact
A non-molestation order can affect seeing your children. Learn how it links to child arrangements and how to protect your relationship.
Orders & children →Your options at the return hearing
The FL435 asks you to choose an option. Each has different consequences, so take advice before you choose.
| Option | What it means | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Agree to the order continuing (no admissions) | You accept the order continues but do not admit the allegations. The court usually makes no findings of fact. | Quick and avoids a contested hearing, but a non-molestation order stays in place and breach is a criminal offence. |
| Offer an undertaking | A formal promise to the court not to do certain things, instead of an order. | Breach is not a criminal offence (it is contempt of court). Not always accepted, for example where violence is alleged. |
| Ask for changes | Agree to an order but ask for different terms, such as an exclusion zone or contact arrangements for children. | Useful where terms are unclear, too wide or stop child handovers. |
| Oppose the order | You say the order should be discharged because the allegations are untrue or the order isn't needed. | The court gives directions for statements and evidence and may list a fact-finding hearing. Legal representation is strongly advised. |
Respondent help across England and Wales
We support respondents in every county court and family court area, including:
Respondent questions we're asked every day
I've been served with a non-molestation order. What should I do first?
Read the order carefully and obey it straight away, even if you disagree with it – breaking it is a criminal offence. Note the return hearing date, then complete and return the FL435 response form at least 5 working days before that hearing. Speak to a free advisor as early as possible so we can check whether you qualify for legal aid.
What is the FL435 form?
FL435 is the 'Response to a Non-Molestation Order' form introduced by the President of the Family Division's Guidance 2026, in force from 12 January 2026. It is sent to respondents with a without-notice order and lets you tell the court before the return hearing whether you agree to the order continuing, would offer an undertaking, or want to oppose it.
Can I get free legal aid as a respondent to a non-molestation order?
Legal aid is available to respondents but it is means-tested and merits-tested, so not everyone qualifies. It is more likely to be granted where there are linked children proceedings or criminal proceedings, or the allegations could seriously affect you. Our advisors check this for you free of charge and refer eligible cases to legal aid family solicitors.
Does being served with an order mean the court believes the allegations?
No. A without-notice order is made after hearing only the applicant's side. The court has not decided whether the allegations are true. The return hearing is your chance to respond.
Is a non-molestation order the same as a restraining order?
No. A non-molestation order is made by the family court under the Family Law Act 1996. A restraining order is made by a criminal court, usually after a conviction or acquittal. Both can be a criminal offence to breach.
Is it free to speak to an advisor?
Yes. Speaking to an FL435.co.uk advisor is free and there is no obligation. We explain your options, help you prepare your FL435 response and check whether you are eligible for legal aid.
How long do I have to respond?
The FL435 should reach the court no less than 5 working days before the return hearing. Under the 2026 guidance the return hearing after a without-notice order is listed within 28 days, so you may have only a few days. Contact us as soon as you are served.