How do I get my belongings back?
The amount of time it takes to get your property back depends on the appeal period for the type of case. The time allowed for appeals ranges from 30-90 days. For Supreme (Civil and Criminal), Provincial Criminal, Youth and Traffic Matters, this period is 30 days. For Family Matters, the appeal period is 40 days, and Interjurisdictional Support Orders can be appealed for up to 90 days.
There are a number of ways to get your personal property back:
- After the appeal periods are over you can go to the courthouse, show identification to the registry and obtain your possessions.
- If you are unable to go in person, you may give written permission to someone else to go on your behalf.
- You may be able to retrieve your belongings before the appeal period has expired. If the parties agree in writing that no appeal will be filed, then you may obtain your belongings immediately.
- If your items were not used in court, you must coordinate getting them back with the police directly.
- In both criminal and civil cases, the court may allow you to retrieve your items back right away. This is something that you will have to request from the court after your case is heard.
The court registry will keep your belongings for up to a year after the case has been completed. If there is an appeal, particularly in criminal matters, you will need the help of a lawyer. Different rules are depending on what type of case you have.
Contact us, and we will fight to get your belongings back as soon as possible. First consultations are free.
Toll Free: 1-877-860-7575
