INJUNCTION SOLICITORS
Injunctions are court orders that require a person to either do something or stop doing something. They are commonly used to prevent serious harm, protect rights, or preserve assets while a dispute is ongoing.
Applying for an injunction can be urgent and procedurally complex. It often involves preparing detailed evidence, completing formal court documents, and meeting strict deadlines. An experienced litigation solicitor can guide you through the process and ensure your application is properly prepared and presented.
At Zavri Law, our litigation team can advise you quickly and clearly on whether an injunction is appropriate in your circumstances.
WHAT IS AN INJUNCTION?
An injunction is a legally binding court order directing a person or organisation to take a specific action or refrain from taking one.
There are two main types:
Prohibitory injunction – Stops someone from doing something (for example, harassment or breaching a contract).
Mandatory injunction – Requires someone to take a specific action.
You may also hear the following terms:
Interim or temporary injunction – Granted before a full trial, usually to preserve the situation until the court can fully consider the case.
Final injunction – Granted after a full hearing and remains in place long term.
In urgent cases, courts can grant injunctions quickly to prevent immediate harm.
HOW POWERFUL IS AN INJUNCTION?
Injunctions are extremely powerful legal remedies.
They:
Take effect immediately once granted
Legally restrict a person’s actions
Can lead to serious penalties if breached
If someone disobeys an injunction, they may be found in contempt of court, which can result in:
Fines
Asset seizure
Imprisonment
Because of their serious consequences, courts only grant injunctions where clearly justified.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF INJUNCTION ORDERS
Different injunctions apply in different legal situations.
Freezing Orders
A freezing injunction prevents a person from disposing of or moving assets such as:
Bank accounts
Property
Shares
Vehicles
This ensures assets remain available if a claim succeeds. Applications must usually be made urgently.
Search Orders
A search order allows authorised representatives to enter premises to preserve evidence.
It can permit:
Inspection of documents
Copying or securing materials
Retaining relevant evidence temporarily
The purpose is to protect evidence from being destroyed — not to conduct a fishing expedition.
Disclosure Orders
These require a party to:
Conduct a reasonable search for relevant documents
Disclose those documents to the other party
This ensures transparency in legal proceedings.
UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES CAN YOU APPLY FOR AN INJUNCTION?
Injunctions are used across many areas of law, including:
Harassment and personal safety matters
Breach of contract disputes
Property disputes
Intellectual property protection
Restrictive covenant breaches
Reputation-related matters
They are typically granted where financial compensation alone would not be sufficient.
CAN I GET AN INJUNCTION?
To obtain an injunction, you must satisfy the court that:
There is a serious issue to be tried
You would suffer irreparable harm without the order
The balance of convenience favours granting the injunction
Damages alone would not be an adequate remedy
You are willing to give a cross-undertaking in damages (meaning you compensate the other party if the injunction later proves unjustified)
The court will assess fairness, urgency, and whether correct procedure has been followed.
HOW TO APPLY FOR AN INJUNCTION
The application process depends on whether notice must be given to the other party.
With notice application – The other party is informed and has the opportunity to respond at a hearing.
Without notice application – The other party is not informed initially. These are rare and usually reserved for urgent cases where giving notice would defeat the purpose of the injunction (for example, risk of asset dissipation).
Applications involve formal court documentation, sworn evidence, and a hearing before a judge.
WILL THE OTHER PARTY KNOW IF I APPLY?
In most cases, yes.
Without-notice applications are only granted where:
There is genuine urgency
There is risk that evidence or assets may be hidden
Giving notice would undermine the effectiveness of the order
Even in without-notice cases, a follow-up hearing is usually scheduled where the other party can respond.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM SERVED WITH AN INJUNCTION?
If you are served with an injunction:
Seek legal advice immediately
Read the terms carefully
Do not breach the order
Preserve all relevant documents and evidence
Breaching an injunction can result in contempt proceedings and serious consequences, including imprisonment.
WHO PAYS FOR AN INJUNCTION?
Costs depend on the outcome of the case.
Generally:
If you succeed, the court may order the other party to pay your legal costs.
If you are unsuccessful, you may be responsible for both sides’ costs.
In certain cases (such as non-molestation or occupation orders), court fees may not apply. Legal aid may be available depending on eligibility.
HOW MUCH DOES AN INJUNCTION COST?
Costs vary depending on:
Complexity of the case
Urgency
Type of injunction
Court fees
Solicitor and barrister involvement
Straightforward matters may cost several hundred pounds, while complex or urgent High Court applications can cost significantly more.
An early legal assessment can provide clarity on likely costs.
HOW MUCH EVIDENCE IS NEEDED?
The strength of your evidence is critical.
Common supporting evidence includes:
Witness statements
Emails and written correspondence
Text messages
Photographs or videos
Police reports
Financial records
The court must be satisfied that your claim is supported by credible and detailed evidence.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET AN INJUNCTION?
Timeframes vary.
Standard applications may take one to two weeks.
Hearings are often listed within days of filing.
Emergency applications can sometimes be heard the same day.
Interim protection can be granted pending a full hearing.
DO YOU NEED A SOLICITOR FOR AN INJUNCTION?
You are not legally required to instruct a solicitor.
However, injunction applications involve:
Technical procedural rules
Detailed evidence requirements
Formal court hearings
A solicitor can:
Assess the strength of your case
Prepare compliant documentation
Represent you in court
Protect you from procedural errors
Given the seriousness of injunctions, professional advice is strongly recommended.
CAN AN INJUNCTION STOP SOMEONE FROM COMING TO MY HOME?
Yes.
Certain injunctions can:
Prohibit a person from approaching your property
Require them to leave a shared residence
Set a defined exclusion zone around your home
These orders are commonly used in cases involving harassment, domestic abuse, or threats to safety.
HOW ZAVRI LAW CAN HELP
If you are considering applying for an injunction — or have been served with one — early legal advice is essential.
At Zavri Law, our litigation team can:
Assess your situation promptly
Advise on your legal options
Prepare urgent applications where necessary
Represent you at court hearings
Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
DISCLAIMER
This content is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case depends on its specific facts and circumstances. You should seek independent legal advice tailored to your situation before taking or refraining from any legal action.
