For anyone facing violence or threats at home, time is the one thing you don’t have. The period after deciding to seek help can be incredibly dangerous, and waiting weeks for a court hearing can feel like an impossible and terrifying ordeal. The legal system, with its necessary procedures and backlogs, has often been a source of profound stress for victims in need of urgent protection.

But as of summer 2025, that reality is changing. The Ontario government has implemented crucial amendments to the Family Law Act, specifically engineered to cut delays and dramatically speed up the process for obtaining protection orders (commonly known as restraining orders).

For victims in Brampton, this is more than just a legal update; it’s a direct response to the need for a faster, more accessible justice system right here in our community. This guide summarizes these key amendments and outlines the next steps you can take to secure your safety.

In the past, getting a protection order involved a multi-step process that could stretch on for weeks. A victim had to file an application, arrange to serve legal documents on the abusive party (a step that could provoke further danger), and then wait for a hearing date. This delay left survivors in a prolonged state of vulnerability. The 2025 amendments are designed to shatter this old model.

The new rules are built for one primary goal: speed. They establish new urgent procedures and use technology to get victims in front of a judge faster than ever before.

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

The most significant change is the expanded use of ex parte motions, which are urgent hearings conducted "without notice" to the other party. This allows a victim (the applicant) to see a judge before the abusive party (the respondent) is notified.

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

2. Introduction of a "Presumption of Urgency"

To ensure the most dangerous cases are prioritized, the law now includes a presumption of urgency. If your situation involves any of the following high-risk factors, your case is automatically fast-tracked by the court system:

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

This presumption forces the court to push your case to the front of the line at the courthouse in Brampton.

3. Digital Filing and Remote Hearings as Standard

The courthouse serving Brampton is now fully equipped for a digital-first process for urgent family law cases.

• Online Filing: You can securely file your application and supporting evidence online, eliminating the need for multiple trips to the courthouse and speeding up processing time.
• Remote Hearings: Urgent hearings for protection orders can now be held by video conference. This not only expedites scheduling but means a victim can attend court from a safe location, without the trauma of being in the same building as their abuser.

Understanding these changes is the first step. Taking action is the next. If you are in Brampton and need immediate protection, here is your 3-step guide.

Step 1: Prioritize Your Safety and Document Everything

• Contact a Support Line: If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For confidential support and expert safety planning, contact Unsafe at Home Peel via text or chat, or call a local shelter like Interim Place. They are experts in helping Brampton residents.
• Gather Your Evidence: Your request for an emergency order must be backed by evidence. Keep a private log of incidents, take screenshots of threatening messages, photograph any injuries or damage, and note any witnesses. This will become the foundation of your sworn affidavit.

Step 2: Connect with Legal Support

Even with a more accessible system, legal guidance is critical.

• Courthouse Support: Your local courthouse is the A. Grenville and William G. Davis Courthouse, conveniently located in Brampton at 7755 Hurontario Street. Visit the Family Court Support Centre inside for free information on the new forms and procedures.
• Legal Aid Ontario: Apply immediately to see if you qualify for a free lawyer. They have special programs and certificates for domestic violence cases.
• Peel Community Legal Services: This clinic offers free legal advice and services to low-income residents of Brampton and the rest of Peel Region.

Step 3: File an Urgent Motion for a Protection Order

Working with your lawyer or legal support, you will file your application.

• Use the Correct Forms: You will need to complete several forms, including a Form 8 (Application) and a Form 35.1 (Affidavit). Your affidavit is where you tell your story to the court under oath.
• Clearly State the Urgency: In your affidavit, use your evidence to explain why your case meets the "presumption of urgency." Use clear headings like "Urgent Request for an Order Without Notice" so court staff can flag your file immediately.
• File Digitally: Use the online portal to file your documents. It is the fastest and most efficient way to get your case into the court system.

These 2025 amendments to the Family Law Act are a vital lifeline. They provide survivors in Brampton with a clear, fast, and accessible path to safety, supported by a legal system that is finally evolving to meet the urgency 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 Brampton?

The goal is to have high-risk cases heard within days, not weeks. By filing an emergency motion "without notice" at the Brampton courthouse, it is possible to 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 advantage of an emergency "without notice" motion is that you appear before the judge for the initial, temporary order without your abuser present. This is designed to secure your safety first. A follow-up court date, where your abuser can respond, will be scheduled for later.

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

You need to provide credible information in a sworn legal document called an affidavit. This can include your detailed account of recent violence, screenshots of threatening text messages, a police report number, or statements from people who witnessed the abuse.

4. Can I really file all my court documents online for a case in Brampton?

Yes. The court system serving Peel Region, including Brampton, now has a secure online portal for submitting applications and evidence for urgent family law cases. This is the recommended and fastest way to file.

5. What if the abuse I'm facing isn't physical? Can I still get a protection order?

Absolutely. Protection orders are designed to stop any form of harassment, including stalking, obsessive communication, and threatening behaviour. While the "presumption of urgency" is often tied to threats of physical harm, a severe and well-documented pattern of psychological abuse or coercive control can also be grounds for an urgent order.

6. Where in Brampton can I get help with the new court forms?

You can get free help at the Family Court Support Centre located inside your local courthouse: the A. Grenville and William G. Davis Courthouse at 7755 Hurontario Street in Brampton. The staff there are trained to provide information and assistance with the family court process.