Intervention Order, Criminal Charges, and Parenting Matters: Why They’re Rarely Separate

At Nardi Lawyers, we regularly act for clients whose legal issues don’t fit neatly into a single category. In practice, criminal allegations, Intervention Orders, and family law disputes often arise from the same set of circumstances, particularly at the breakdown of a relationship.

Where most firms operate in silos, we take the view that these matters are interconnected, and that decisions made in one jurisdiction can have immediate and lasting consequences in another.

We’re upfront with prospective clients about this reality. If your matter involves an Intervention Order and allegations of family violence, there is a strong likelihood it will impact, or evolve into, both criminal proceedings and family law issues. You need a strategy that considers all three from the outset, not three separate lawyers each dealing with one issue in isolation.

This is often a relief to clients who are already feeling overwhelmed and unsure about the process.

Why the Overlap Matters in Practice

The overlap between these areas of law is not theoretical, it affects day to day decision making.

For example, consenting to an Intervention Order “without admissions” may seem like a quick resolution, but it can have implications for parenting proceedings further down the track.

Every step taken, whether at the police station, in the Magistrates’ Court, or in negotiations with a former partner, needs to be consistent. This is where having a single, coordinated legal team becomes critical.

A common scenario we see is where an alleged family violence incident leads to:

• A Family Violence Safety Notice excluding one party from the home
• A pending Intervention Order application and court date
• A criminal investigation and/or charges
• The breakdown of the relationship, triggering parenting and property issues

Case Study: Acting Across All Three Matters From the Start

(Details below have been changed to protect client confidentiality.)

A client initially engaged us solely for an Intervention Order hearing listed within days of an alleged incident. At that early stage, he had been interviewed but not yet charged, was unsure whether the relationship would continue, and was focused only on regaining contact with his children.

Because we practise across all three areas, our initial advice extended beyond the immediate hearing. We identified the real risks early, including the likelihood of charges being laid and the near inevitability of family law proceedings if the relationship ended.

Within weeks, criminal charges were filed, the Intervention Order was contested and adjourned, and the client received a letter from his ex-partner’s family lawyer seeking to initiate family law discussions.

Because we were already acting, there was no need for him to retell his story or engage new lawyers. More importantly, the strategy remained consistent across all three matters, particularly around allegations, evidence, and communication.

Case Study: Repositioning a Fragmented Approach

(Details below have been changed to protect client confidentiality.)

A client came to us after already consenting to an Intervention Order through prior advice, believing it would make things easier. By the time he sought family law advice, the existence of that order had become a central issue in parenting negotiations.

Our role then became one of repositioning his case, including managing how the allegations were framed moving forward, advising on communication and compliance to avoid further risk, and rebuilding his position in the family law context.

This is a scenario we actively try to help clients avoid. What might seem like the quickest or least stressful option in an Intervention Order matter can directly affect a parent’s ability to spend time with their children, particularly if they are named on the order.

What Sets Our Approach Apart

One Team, One Strategy

Clients are not passed between departments. The same firm, and often the same lawyer, maintains oversight across all issues.

Early Identification of Risk

We ask early on whether police were involved or charges are likely, what the current status of the relationship is, and whether there are children and what the existing arrangements look like. This allows us to anticipate issues before they arise, rather than reacting to them later.

Consistency Across Jurisdictions

We make sure that instructions given in criminal matters align with family law strategy, that positions taken in Intervention Orders don’t undermine parenting outcomes, and that communication with the other party is legally and strategically sound.

Why This Matters to Clients

The benefit of this approach is not just convenience, it’s outcome driven.

Without a coordinated approach, clients risk inconsistent positions across different courts, critical evidence can be mishandled or overlooked, costs increase due to duplication between firms, and early strategic opportunities are often missed.

With a unified approach, clients receive clear, consistent advice at a time when clarity is most needed.

The overlap between criminal law, Intervention Orders, and family law is not an exception, it is a common pathway following relationship breakdown involving allegations of family violence. At Nardi Lawyers, this is not something we “also handle.” It is a core part of how we practise.