Written and reviewed by Nichale Bool, Legal Practice Director · Updated November 2026
Protection order (DVO) matters for much of the Sunshine Coast are heard at the Maroochydore Magistrates Court. This guide explains how a matter usually runs, from the first mention through to a contested hearing.
Where is the Maroochydore Magistrates Court?
The court is on Cornmeal Parade, Maroochydore. The registry is open 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and 8.30am to 4.00pm on Wednesday. Check the Queensland Courts website for the latest details before you go.
If the matter goes to a hearing
If the respondent does not agree to the order, the magistrate will usually set a hearing date and make directions for each side to file affidavits. At the hearing, the magistrate reads the evidence, hears from witnesses where needed, and decides whether to make a protection order and on what conditions. Good preparation of your affidavit and evidence matters, so speak with a lawyer early.
What happens at the first court date
The first date for a protection order application is usually called a mention. It is a short appearance where the magistrate checks where the matter is up to. If you are the respondent, you will usually be asked whether you:
- agree to the order being made, which you can do without admitting the things written in the application
- do not agree, in which case the matter is usually adjourned to a later hearing date, with directions for each side to file written evidence (affidavits)
- need more time to get legal advice.
The magistrate can make or continue a temporary protection order until the next court date. If you are the aggrieved, you can usually ask for the temporary order to stay in place while the matter continues.
Safety at court
Domestic and family violence matters are not open to the public. If you are worried about seeing the other party, tell us beforehand and let court staff know when you arrive, and ask about a safe place to wait. For a contested hearing, the court can make arrangements such as giving evidence from a separate room. A respondent who does not have a lawyer cannot personally cross-examine the aggrieved.
What to bring to Maroochydore
- your court papers, including the application or order and any notice telling you to come to court
- photo ID
- any messages, photos or documents you want your lawyer to see
- something to read or do, as you may wait a while before your matter is called.
Allow time for parking and the security check at the entrance, and aim to arrive by about 8.30am.
Talk to us before your court date
A short call before your court date means you know what to expect, what to say and what your options are. Call us on (07) 3188 1799 or book a conference. You can also read more about how we help in Maroochydore.
This guide is general information only and is not legal advice. Every matter is different, so please speak with us about your situation.
Photo: Mooloolaba Beach by Kgbo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
