I'm Andy, a dedicated DVO defence lawyer in Queensland.

Welcome to Fortisen Legal.

If you have had a temporary order (or a police protection notice) served on you, what you do next could negatively impact your career, your relationship with your children, and your life for years to come.

You’re probably feeling angry, overwhelmed because the order “isn’t fair”, and worried about your future. And rightly so. Getting the right advice from a dedicated DV lawyer now is critical to ensuring the best possible outcome.

I’m Andrew Gaddes, a dedicated DV lawyer based in Southeast Queensland, and I’m here to help you navigate what’s to come.

While we are based in Southeast Queensland, I can help you no matter where you live in Queensland. In fact, I have appeared in the majority of courts across the state.

What used to be “normal” behaviour can suddenly become punishable criminally.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that this is an easy thing to talk your way out of, even if you believe you’ve been falsely accused. It’s not.

The process is complicated, and the Queensland Police Service, the Queensland Government, and the courts take allegations of domestic and family violence very seriously.

In fact, approximately 32,0000 applications are made each year in Queensland, and 86% of those result in a permanent order.

Our Services

Defending a Domestic Violence Application

Domestic Violence Applications are treated very seriously by the Courts in Queensland and Australia wide. The Applications are conducted in a closed Court, and it is very difficult to get guidance about what you should do, without formal legal advice. The Queensland Government and the courts take allegations of DV very seriously, and the law has recently been changed to reflect this commitment.

Defending a charge of breach of a Domestic Violence Order

While domestic violence is heard in a civil court, if you breach an order you could end up in prison. And it’s easy to breach an order if you don’t take it seriously. A shocking fact – in 2012, there were 9,000 breaches noted against current orders. In 2023, this number increased to 61,000! Yes, the QPS takes breaches to current orders very seriously, as does the court.

Application to vary a Domestic Violence Order

Varying an order – at any stage – isn’t easy, especially without legal representation. If your circumstances change, you can apply to the Court to vary a Domestic Violence Order. Alternatively, you may find yourself defending an Application to vary a Domestic Violence Order. The Application may add conditions or seek to remove conditions to a current Order.

Did you know?

An order might prohibit you from returning to your own home and can dictate where you can and cannot go?

From the blog

The cold, hard facts about DV in Queensland …

November 6, 2024 No Comments

Did you know that even a simple argument can be classified as domestic violence? The consequences of breaching an order can be severe, leading to criminal charges and impacting your life for years.

Cross-Applications in Domestic Violence Proceedings

October 4, 2024 No Comments

Navigating the complexities of Domestic Violence Orders (DVOs) can be daunting, especially when considering a Cross Application. While it may seem like a viable option for respondents, it’s crucial to understand the potential implications and how the Court may perceive your actions.