Legal Aid for Restraining Orders in Ontario: Free Help for Your Safety
If you're facing abuse, harassment, or stalking in Ontario and need legal protection, a restraining order can be an essential step. But what if you can’t afford a lawyer?
The good news: There are free and low-cost legal support options available to help you apply for a restraining order, including assistance with completing court forms like Form 9C.
This guide breaks down your legal aid options in Ontario.
🆘 1. Legal Aid Ontario (LAO)
Legal Aid Ontario provides free legal services to individuals with low income.
What They Offer:
Free legal advice by phone
Duty counsel at the courthouse for urgent motions
Legal aid certificates to hire a lawyer (if eligible)
Help filling out restraining order forms
Contact LAO:
☎️ 1-800-668-8258
✅ Tip: If your case involves family violence, your application may be prioritized.
🏛️ 2. Family Law Information Centres (FLIC)
Located in most Ontario courthouses, FLICs provide:
Free legal information
Access to duty counsel (lawyers available in court)
Referrals to community resources
Find your FLIC location here: FLIC Office Directory (Ontario)
🏥 3. Victim Services and Women’s Shelters
Local victim services and women’s shelters often provide:
Help with Form 9C
Court accompaniment
Safety planning
Referrals to pro bono lawyers
You can call the Victim Support Line (VSL):📞 1-888-579-2888
🏘️ 4. Community Legal Clinics
Ontario has community legal clinics funded by Legal Aid Ontario that assist with civil legal issues, including:
Filing and serving restraining orders
Preparing court documents
Legal coaching before your hearing
Find a clinic near you: legalaid.on.ca/legal-clinics
🧾 Legal Forms You May Need
📌 Summary
Resource
What They Provide
Legal Aid Ontario (LAO)
Free legal advice, lawyers, forms help
Family Law Info Centres
Walk-in courthouse support
Victim Services
Emergency help, legal referrals
Community Legal Clinics
Local legal help for restraining orders
📞 Final Tip: Act Quickly
Restraining orders are time-sensitive. If you’re in danger or need protection, don’t wait. Call Legal Aid or visit your local courthouse right away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get a free lawyer for a restraining order in Ontario?
Yes. If you have a low income, you may be eligible to receive a legal aid certificate from Legal Aid Ontario (LAO). This certificate acts like a voucher that you can use to hire a private lawyer to represent you in your restraining order case at no cost to you.
2. How do I know if I qualify for Legal Aid Ontario?
Eligibility is primarily based on your financial situation (your income and assets). However, LAO gives special priority to cases involving domestic violence, so you may qualify even if your income is slightly above the usual threshold. The best way to find out is to call them directly at 1-800-668-8258.
3. What is "duty counsel" and how can they help me?
Duty counsel are lawyers paid by Legal Aid who are physically present at the courthouse. They can provide free, on-the-spot legal advice, help you with court procedures, and may even be able to represent you in court for urgent, brief matters, such as a first appearance or an urgent motion.
4. What if I don't qualify for a Legal Aid certificate?
Even if you don't qualify for a full certificate, you still have options for free help. You can still speak to duty counsel at the courthouse, visit a Family Law Information Centre (FLIC), or contact a local community legal clinic. Some lawyers also offer "unbundled services," where you can pay a smaller fee for specific tasks, like help with drafting documents, instead of full representation.
5. I'm in immediate danger. Can Legal Aid help me right now?
Yes. If you are in an urgent situation, call Legal Aid Ontario or go to your nearest family courthouse immediately. Tell them your situation is an emergency. They can often provide same-day advice and connect you with duty counsel to help you with an urgent motion for a temporary restraining order.
6. Do I have to be a Canadian citizen to get Legal Aid?
No. Your immigration status does not affect your eligibility for Legal Aid Ontario. As long as you are physically present in Ontario and meet the financial and legal eligibility criteria, you can receive assistance.