For anyone facing threats or violence at home, time is not a luxury. The period after deciding to leave an abusive partner is often the most dangerous, and waiting weeks for a court date can feel like an eternity. The legal system, with its complex procedures and backlog, has historically been a source of immense stress for victims seeking protection.

But as of summer 2025, the landscape in Ontario is changing. Recognizing the urgent need to close the gap between danger and safety, the provincial government has enacted critical amendments to the Family Law Act. These changes are specifically designed to expedite the process of obtaining protection orders (formerly known as restraining orders).

For victims in Ottawa, this is more than just a legal update; it’s a direct response to the call for a faster, more accessible justice system. This guide will summarize the key amendments and outline the next steps you can take to secure your safety.

Previously, getting a protection order involved a multi-step process that could take weeks. A victim had to file an application, serve legal documents on the abusive party (a potentially dangerous step), and then wait for a hearing date. This delay left victims in a prolonged state of vulnerability. The 2025 amendments tackle these delays head-on.

The new rules are focused on one primary goal: speed. They introduce new procedures and leverage technology to get victims in front of a judge faster when they need it most.

1. Emergency 'Without Notice' Motions are Now More Accessible

The most significant change is the expansion of ex parte motions, or motions "without notice." This allows a victim (the applicant) to have an urgent hearing before a judge without first having to notify the abusive party (the respondent).

• How it works: A judge can now grant a temporary, emergency protection order based on the applicant's evidence alone if waiting to notify the respondent would create a situation of immediate danger. This emergency order provides immediate legal protection while a date is set for a more comprehensive hearing where the respondent can participate.

2. Introduction of a "Presumption of Urgency"

To eliminate judicial guesswork, the amendments introduce a presumption of urgency for cases involving specific high-risk factors. If your situation includes any of the following, your case will be automatically fast-tracked:

• Recent incidents of physical violence.
• Credible threats of harm to you or your children.
• A pattern of stalking or harassment.
• Recent seizure of your personal documents (passport, driver's license).

This presumption forces the court system to prioritize your case, pushing it to the front of the line.

3. Digital Filing and Remote Hearings as Standard

The Ottawa Courthouse is now fully equipped for digital-first processing of urgent family law matters.

• Online Filing: You can now securely file your application and supporting documents online, eliminating the need for multiple trips to the courthouse.
• Remote Hearings: Urgent hearings for protection orders can now be conducted via video conference. This not only speeds up scheduling but also means a victim does not have to be in the same physical space as their abuser, reducing trauma and intimidation.

Understanding these changes is the first step. Taking action is the next. If you are in Ottawa and need immediate protection, here is what you can do right now.

Step 1: Prioritize Your Safety and Document Everything

• Contact a Support Line: Before you do anything else, if you are in immediate danger, call 911. For support and safety planning, contact Unsafe at Home Ottawa by text or chat, or call a local shelter like Interval House of Ottawa or Chrysalis House. They can help you create a plan to keep you safe while you navigate the legal process.
• Gather Evidence: Your request for an emergency order needs to be backed by evidence. Compile screenshots of threatening messages, photos of any injuries, a dated log of incidents, and the names of any witnesses. This will form the basis of your sworn affidavit.

Step 2: Connect with Legal Support

You do not have to do this alone. The legal system is complex, even with these new changes.

• Family Court Support Centre: Visit the support centre at the Ottawa Courthouse (161 Elgin Street). Staff can provide information on the new forms and processes for free.
• Legal Aid Ontario: Apply immediately to see if you qualify for a free lawyer. They have special certificates for domestic violence cases, and their assistance is invaluable.
• University of Ottawa Community Legal Clinic: This clinic may be able to provide free legal advice and representation to low-income individuals in Ottawa.

Step 3: File an Urgent Motion for a Protection Order

With the help of your support network and legal counsel, you will file your application.

• Use the Correct Forms: You will need to fill out a Form 8 (Application) and a Form 35.1 (Affidavit in Support of Claim for Custody or Access), among others. Your affidavit is where you will detail the abuse and the reasons you need an urgent order.
• Clearly State the Urgency: In your affidavit, explicitly mention the recent violence or threats that trigger the "presumption of urgency." Use clear headings like "Urgent Request for an Order Without Notice" to draw the court's attention to your request for an immediate hearing.
• File Digitally: Work with your legal support to use the new online portal to file your documents for the fastest possible processing time.

These 2025 amendments to the Family Law Act are a vital lifeline. They empower victims in Ottawa to take swift, decisive action to secure their safety, backed by a legal system that is finally designed to respond with the urgency that these situations have always demanded.

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1. With the new 2025 changes, how fast can I get an emergency protection order in Ottawa?

While every case is different, the goal of the new amendments is to have urgent, high-risk cases heard within days, not weeks. By filing for an emergency motion "without notice," you could potentially get a temporary order from a judge in as little as 24-48 hours.

2. Do I have to face my abuser in court to get this faster emergency order?

No. The key benefit of an emergency "without notice" motion is that you can appear before a judge for the initial, temporary order without your abuser being present. This is designed to secure your immediate safety. A follow-up court date, where your abuser will be present or represented, will be scheduled later.

3. What kind of evidence do I need to trigger the "presumption of urgency"?

You need to provide credible information in a sworn affidavit. This can include a detailed description of recent physical violence, screenshots of recent text messages containing threats, a police report number, or statements from witnesses who saw or heard the abuse.

4. Can I really file all my court documents online for the Ottawa courthouse?

Yes. The new system allows for the digital submission of applications and affidavits for urgent family law matters. This is the fastest way to get your case into the court system. Legal clinics and the Family Court Support Centre can guide you on how to use the online portal.

5. What if the abuse I'm facing is emotional or financial, not physical? Can I still get a protection order?

Absolutely. A protection order can be granted to prevent any form of harassment, including threatening behaviour, stalking, and unwanted communication. While the "presumption of urgency" is tied to high-risk factors that often include physical violence, a strong pattern of coercive control or severe emotional abuse can also be grounds for an urgent order.

6. Where exactly in the Ottawa courthouse can I get help with the new forms?

You should go to the Family Court Support Centre located within the Ottawa Courthouse at 161 Elgin Street. Their staff are trained to provide free information and assistance with navigating the family court process and filling out the necessary forms.