Hi there. It sounds like you are in a difficult position. The exact nature of your legal problem is not clear. If someone is in danger or has had their personal or property rights violated, then the law may be able to help. But without these things, there are not many legal options for resolving family disputes.

If someone is at risk of harm, a violence restraining order (VRO) can be obtained to require an individual (such as your sister) to stay away from certain people or stop behaving in a certain way towards certain people. A VRO can be obtained between family members for the purpose of avoiding family violence. Family violence includes emotional, physical, sexual and psychological abuse. Threatening, intimidating, offensive or emotionally abusive behaviour is a type of family violence that can be dealt with under a VRO. The person subject to a VRO is required by law to follow the terms of the order, breach of which may result in serious penalties. To obtain a VRO, you can apply directly to the Magistrates Court of Western Australia (www.magistratescourt.wa.gov.au) or through the police.

Suggested way forward

You may want to consider contacting Relationships Australia (www.relationships.org.au), which provides counselling and mediation services to help resolve family conflict. If a legal issue arises, you may want to consider speaking to a lawyer. By pressing the “Consult a Lawyer” button, LawAdvisor can help you search for experienced lawyers and obtain fee proposals for their services. Costs for legal advice and representation will vary between providers based on experience and the scope of services.