If you’ve obtained or are applying for a restraining order in Ontario, you’re probably wondering how long it will last—and what to do if you still need protection after it expires.

This post explains the standard duration of restraining orders in Ontario, how to extend or renew them, and what happens if the order is violated.

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In Ontario, restraining orders usually last for:

• 6 to 12 months

• Sometimes longer, depending on the severity of the situation

The duration is determined by a judge, based on the details of your application (e.g., Form 9C or Form 10 in family court).

🔒 If the judge believes the threat is ongoing, the order may be extended or made indefinite in rare cases.

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Yes. You must apply before the order expires. You will need to:

1. Complete a motion to change the restraining order (e.g., Form 15).
2. Provide updated reasons and evidence showing continued risk.
3. Attend another court hearing (unless the extension is agreed to by both parties).

If granted, the restraining order can be renewed for another term (often 6–12 months).

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Once a restraining order expires, it is no longer enforceable by police. This means:

• The respondent is no longer legally bound by the restrictions

• Any future threats or incidents may require a new application

• You can still file for a peace bond if the threat continues and police are involved

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If you're nearing the expiration date and still feel unsafe:

• Apply to extend the order (don’t wait until it’s expired)

• Contact your local legal clinic or Legal Aid Ontario

• Consider speaking with police about a peace bond through criminal court

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Detail

Answer

Typical duration

6–12 months

Can it be extended?

Yes, if you apply before expiration

Who decides duration?

The judge, based on case facts and risk level

What happens if it expires?

Protection ends unless renewed or replaced

Can it be made permanent?

Rare, only in extreme or ongoing threat cases

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• Legal Aid Ontario – 1-800-668-8258

• Community Legal Clinics – Local support for renewals

• Victim Services Ontario – Free safety planning and legal guidance

Here are the updated versions of each blog post with direct links to relevant Ontario court forms added in the appropriate sections:

🧾 Legal Forms:

• Form 9C – Application for Non-Family Court Order (PDF)

• Form 15 – Motion to Change (PDF) Used to extend, vary, or terminate an existing restraining order.

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A temporary order is a short-term "band-aid" solution for immediate protection, often granted without the other person present. It only lasts until the next court date. A final order is granted after a full hearing with both parties and can last for a much longer period, sometimes even permanently.

A standard final restraining order in Ontario is usually granted for a specific period of time, most commonly between 6 and 12 months, but it can be for up to three years depending on the circumstances.

Yes. While it is less common, a judge has the authority to make a restraining order permanent if the evidence shows a long-term, ongoing threat to your safety.

You cannot let it expire if you still need protection. You must go back to court and file a motion to change the order before the expiry date. You will need to explain to the judge why you still fear for your safety and why the order should be extended.

Yes, but it requires a court application. If you and the other person agree to end the order, you can file a consent motion to change. If you want to end it but the other person does not agree, you will have to file a motion and convince a judge that there has been a "material change in circumstances" and the order is no longer necessary.

When you return to court after a temporary order has been granted, the judge will review the case. They can then decide to either end the restraining order, continue the temporary order for another short period, or make the order final with a longer duration.