Immediate legal protection for children in crisis situations
If a child is in immediate danger, call 000 first. Emergency parenting orders can be obtained within hours to protect children from harm.
Emergency parenting orders are urgent court orders designed to protect children from immediate harm or risk. In Melbourne, the Federal Circuit and Family Court can issue these orders within hours when a child's safety, welfare, or wellbeing is under serious threat. These powerful legal tools provide immediate protection while longer-term arrangements are determined.
Temporary orders that establish immediate care arrangements:
Emergency transfer of decision-making authority:
Orders preventing specific actions:
Orders to find and protect children:
In genuine emergencies, courts can make orders without notifying the other parent:
Courts require compelling evidence of immediate risk. The threshold is high because:
Emergency orders are temporary. At the return date (usually 14-21 days later):
Emergency parenting matters often involve multiple urgent legal issues. Find specialists in all areas.
Don't wait when a child is at risk. Get immediate legal assistance for emergency parenting orders.