What is a peace bond?
A peace bond is a protection order made by a court for a person who fears that another person will cause personal injury to them or to their intimate partner or child or will damage their property; or will publish intimate images.
There is also an intimate partner violence (IPV) peace bond intended to protect people who fear for their safety due to intimate partner violence or threats involving children. These peace bonds can be for a longer period of time and impose additional conditions. Intimate partner violence peace bonds do not protect property.
Both regular and IPV peace bonds require the other person to keep the peace and follow conditions set by the court for a set period of time.
Assistance with Peace Bonds
Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission – Where Nova Scotia Legal Aid (NSLA) offices have capacity, staff can assist people applying for peace bond orders. This assistance will be summary advice, such as explaining the steps required to bring an application and providing information about the court process. Applicants seeking summary advice can apply to Legal Aid for this service. The office will advise if it has capacity to help you.
Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia – Those seeking advice on peace bonds can reach out to the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia (LISNS) online at www.legalinfo.org, by email at questions@legalinfo.org or by telephone at 902-455-3135 or toll-free at l-800-665-9779.
Halifax Regional Police – The Victim Services division of Halifax Regional Police offers a Peace Bond Navigator Program involving trained volunteers who can also attend court with applicants. For more information, call 902-490-5300.
Courts of Nova Scotia Website – If you do not have a lawyer and expect to represent yourself during the peace bond application process, the Courts offer helpful resources to explain the law and court procedures in a general way. Visit www.courts.ns.ca for more information.
PLEASE NOTE: Court staff can give general information about how the court works and about court rules and procedures. Court staff cannot give legal advice. For legal advice contact a lawyer.
The following are some common terms used in the peace bond application process:
Informant – This is the individual applying for the peace bond.
Complainant – If someone else is applying for a peace bond on your behalf, they are the informant and you are the complainant.
Defendant – This is the person you need protection from.
Information – An Information is the sworn statement made by the informant. The application form to apply for a peace bond is also referred to as the Information.
Peace Bond Application Intake Form – This form outlines the basis of your complaint against the defendant. Only part 1 is filed with the Information and shared with the defendant. Part 2 contains personal information and is not shared with the defendant. A copy of this form may be shared with Victim Services.
Summons – A legal document that requires the defendant to attend court on a specific date and time to either agree to enter into a peace bond or ask for a hearing date.
Affidavit of Service – This document confirms that the summons was served on the defendant.
Justice – This can refer to a Provincial Court Judge, Presiding Justice of the Peace (PJP), or Staff Justice of the Peace (JP).
Recognizance – A peace bond can also be referred to as a recognizance.
Court – Court can include traditional in-person appearances in a courtroom, as well as telephone and videoconferencing appearances.