Form 13: Protection Order
Form 13 is the protection order issued by the court after a judge approves it. You do not use Form 13 to apply for protection.
This is the issued court order. For a new, changed or terminated protection order, apply with Form 12; read and obey the actual Form 13 terms.
What Form 13 actually is
A Form 13 protection order records the judge’s decision and the specific terms intended to protect a family member against risk of family violence. Rule 70 requires a protection order under Part 9 of the Family Law Act to be in this form. It does not need the parties’ signatures. To request a new, changed or terminated protection order, use Form 12.
How to read the order
- Check the registry, court file number, named parties, judge and date.
- Read the exact restrictions written under “This Court Orders That”, including contact, communication, distance or other terms that may have been ordered. Do not assume any restriction that is not actually included.
- Read the effective date, any different expiry specified by the judge and any special directions. The prescribed Form 13 says an order normally expires one year after it is made unless the court orders otherwise.
- Keep a complete copy and refer to the precise terms rather than relying on someone else’s description of what the order says.
How Form 13 reaches the parties
Under Rule 72, the court clerk generally prepares the order, sends a copy to the Protection Order Registry and provides the applicant with a copy. If the restrained party was absent, the registry normally arranges personal service in BC. If service cannot be arranged or the party evades service, the applicant may be notified and become responsible for service. The order’s effect is not determined by the parties signing the document. The official Form 13 expressly warns that police may enforce a breach even when there is no proof that the order has been served. Do not assume lack of personal service permits contact that an order prohibits.
If someone wants terms changed
Rule 71 requires a judge who changes a protection order, including extending it, to terminate the old order and make a new protection order. The correct request is usually made with Form 12. Until the court changes or terminates the order, follow the order currently in force; a private agreement is not a court variation.
Worked example
A judge makes a protection order that prohibits messages, calls and coming within a stated distance. The restrained person must examine the actual wording and expiry rather than relying on assumptions about “no contact.” If a change is needed, the appropriate legal application is Form 12, not editing a copy of Form 13.
Safety and next steps
For urgent danger call 911. See VictimLinkBC for confidential support. A protection order may be enforceable by police under the Criminal Code; breaking it can have serious consequences. If you are unsure about a term, seek legal advice rather than testing the boundary.