Court staff can provide a copy of any document in the court file if:

• the requester has the right to see the document;
• the document can be photocopied; and
• the requester pays the relevant copy fee.

Members of the public can make a copy of any documentation in the court file using their own camera or other electronic devices at no charge if they have the right to see the document. The use of photography is limited to the documentation in the court file and must be conducted in the administration area. Please refer to section "1.7 Use of cameras, recording and other electronics devices in the courtroom" for further explanation about the use of cameras and recording devices.
Members of the public may have a copy of a digital recording of a court hearing if:

• they have the right to a copy of the recording;
• judicial direction is obtained; and
• they pay the relevant copy fee.

Step 1: Find a courthouse near you
You, or someone on your behalf, can apply for a peace bond at the criminal services counter of your local provincial court.

The Court's Criminal Service Counter will provide you with the required form (DOCX) to start the application process.

Step 2: Complete the application and meet with a provincial court judge or a justice of the peace
You must fill out an application detailing why you are requesting a peace bond. The person against whom you are seeking a peace bond is called the defendant. In the application, you also have to provide the address of the defendant.

Once you have completed the application, you can return it to the staff at the Criminal Services Counter. A judicial officer will then review your application and decide whether there are sufficient grounds to proceed. If not, the application will be rejected and the matter will not proceed.

If the judicial officer determines that there is sufficient cause to proceed, the court staff will prepare a formal document called "Information" for you to sign under oath, which will begin the peace bond hearing process.

If the judicial official determines there are sufficient grounds to proceed then the court staff will prepare a formal document called “information” for you to sign under oath, which starts the peace bond hearing process.

The court will also notify you of the date, time, and place of your first court appearance and you will be required to attend the court at this time. If you or your legal representative do not appear at the first court hearing, the proceedings will be closed and you will have to reapply if you still want to obtain a peace bond.

Step 3: Go to the first court appearance
At this first appearance, the defendant will understand why you are seeking a peace bond against them and decide whether or not to consent to a peace bond.

If the defendant consents to a peace bond, they will be ordered to sign an agreement confirming the peace bond with its terms. If the defendant consents to the peace bond, the case is complete.

If the defendant does not consent to sign the peace bond, the judicial officer will set a date for the peace bond hearing.

Mutual peace bonds
Sometimes the judicial officer will suggest a mutual peace bond or the defendant may ask you to sign a peace bond.

A mutual peace bond places conditions on both parties. For example, a mutual peace bond might say that neither of you can contact the other person.

Step 4: Go to your peace bond hearing (if applicable)

A peace bond hearing is required when the defendant does not consent to the peace bond. At a peace bond hearing, the judicial official will hear evidence from you and any witnesses you may have, and from the defendant and any witnesses, the defendant wishes to call. Then, the judicial official will determine whether there are reasonable grounds to order a peace bond.

To get a peace bond, you must prove that you have a reasonable fear that another person will:

• hurt you, your intimate partner, or your child
• damage your property, or
• Share an intimate image or video of you without your consent (see section 162.1 of the Criminal Code)

You do not need a legal representative (lawyer or paralegal) to apply for a peace bond, but they can help you navigate the process. Judges, justices of the peace, and court staff cannot give you legal advice. Only a legal representative can give you legal advice. The Law Society maintains a directory of all licensed lawyers and paralegals in the province.

You must complete the application form to provide details of why you are requesting a peace bond. The person against whom you are seeking a peace bond is called the defendant. In the application form, you will also need to provide the address of the defendant.

Once you have completed the application form, you may return it to the staff at the criminal service counter. A judicial official will then review your application and determine whether there are sufficient grounds to proceed further. If not, the application will be denied and the matter will not proceed.

The court will also notify you of the date, time, and location of the first court appearance and you will be required to attend court at this time. If you or your legal representative do not attend the first court appearance, the proceedings will be discontinued and you will have to reapply if you still wish to get a peace bond.

Requests to view court files can be initiated as follows:

1. In-person or through an agent at the Records Office public counter (located on the Concourse Level of Osgoode Hall)
2. By phone: 416-327-6658.
3. By e-mail: E-file@ontario.ca.
4. By fax: 416-327-2213.