Family matters
Protection Orders against prisoners
I have been served with a Protection Order in prison. What can I do?
Domestic Violence Act 1995, ss 76, 77
If you have been served with a “Temporary Protection Order”, you have 3 months to challenge it in Family Court or it will become permanent. Contact your local Community Law Centre or the New Zealand Law Society to find out about lawyers near you. You may be able to get legal aid to help you to challenge the order.
Can I still contact my children?
Domestic Violence Act 1995, s 16
You probably cannot contact your children until the Family Court says you can. Carefully check the documents that were served on you. If the child’s other parent or caregiver is protected by the Protection Order, the children living in that house will be too (even if they are not named on the Protection Order).
You should get legal advice before contacting your children, or you could be in breach of the Order.
