Forced marriage protection orders — step-by-step

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-31

What a forced marriage protection order does

A forced marriage protection order (FMPO) protects someone at risk of being forced into marriage — or someone already forced. It can:

Prevent the marriage from happening
Prohibit removing someone from the UK
Require passport/documents to be surrendered
Restrict contact with people arranging the marriage
Apply to people outside the UK (including relatives abroad)
Direct police to help enforce it

Who can apply

The person at risk themselves
Any other person with the court's permission — this lets a friend, teacher, or family member apply on their behalf
The Forced Marriage Unit or a local authority can support the application

How to apply

1. Application to the family court (Form FL404A or the correct FMPO form) 2. Free to apply — no court fee 3. Can be made without notice (urgently, without telling the people arranging the marriage) where disclosure would increase risk 4. The court must let the person at risk be heard (through a duel-representative if needed) 5. If granted, a return hearing is listed so the people it covers can respond

What the court considers

The wishes and feelings of the person at risk
Their welfare (if under 18: the child's welfare is paramount)
The risk if the order is not made
How best to protect them

Breach

Breaching an FMPO is a criminal offence under the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007, carrying up to 5 years' imprisonment
Police can arrest on breach — call 999

Getting help

Forced Marriage Unit (FMU): 020 7008 0151 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm)
FCDO out of hours: 020 7008 5000
fmu@fcdo.gov.uk
Karma Nirvana: 0800 5999 247 (honour-based abuse specialist)
Refuge: 0808 2000 247 (DA helpline)
Emergency: 999

Safety first

Use a safe device — calls, messages, browsing can be monitored
Do not confront the family directly if it may escalate risk
If abroad and in danger: contact the nearest British embassy/consulate

Official links

https://www.gov.uk/stop-forced-marriage
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/forced-marriage-unit-contact-details

This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with the FMU or gov.uk.

Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.