Emergency Protection Orders
Emergency Protection Order Lawyers in Edmonton
EPOs are among the most urgent matters in family law. We represent clients on both sides — those seeking immediate protection from family violence, and those served with an order who need to respond — with urgency, discretion and careful legal judgment.
Our Emergency Protection Order lawyers in Edmonton act quickly for both applicants seeking protection and respondents served with an order, including at the Court of King's Bench review hearing.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Alberta's Family Violence Info Line is available 24/7 at 310-1818.
What is an Emergency Protection Order?
In Alberta, an Emergency Protection Order (EPO) is a court order under the Protection Against Family Violence Act, intended to provide immediate, short-term protection where family violence has occurred and the situation is serious or urgent.
The initial application is heard ex parte — without notice to the other party — often on the same day. Police can also apply on a person's behalf. Once granted, the order is served on the respondent and scheduled for a review hearing in the Court of King's Bench within a matter of days, where the judge may confirm, vary or revoke it and both parties can be heard.
Who can apply?
EPOs protect people in family relationships, which under the Act include spouses and former spouses, adult interdependent partners, people who have lived together in an intimate relationship, parents of a child together, and other relatives living together.
An EPO may include terms that:
- Restrain the respondent from contacting or communicating with the applicant and other family members
- Grant the applicant exclusive occupation of the family home, regardless of who owns it
- Direct police to remove the respondent from the residence
- Grant temporary possession of personal property such as a vehicle, identification or financial documents
- Direct police to accompany a person to collect belongings
Longer-term protection
Where ongoing protection is needed, the Court of King's Bench can grant a King's Bench Protection Order, which can last longer and include broader terms.
Which side are you on?
I need protection
We help you decide whether an EPO or longer-term order is right for your situation, prepare your evidence, and represent you at the Court of King's Bench review hearing.
An EPO has been granted against me
Time is short. We review the order, advise you on strict compliance, and prepare your response and evidence so your side is heard at the review hearing.
Consequences for respondents
An EPO can remove you from your home and restrict contact with your children immediately. Breaching an order is a serious offence and can lead to arrest. It can also affect parenting and property proceedings. Follow the order exactly and get legal advice before the review hearing.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Have a question that isn't answered here? Call 780-229-4559 or see all FAQs.
How quickly can an EPO be granted?
Often the same day. An EPO application is heard without notice to the other party and can be granted by a judge or justice of the peace at any time, including after hours through police.
What happens at the review hearing?
After an EPO is granted, the Court of King's Bench reviews it within a matter of days. The respondent can attend and give their side. The judge may confirm the order, change its terms, or revoke it.
I've been served with an EPO. What should I do?
Follow the order exactly — even if you disagree with it — and do not contact the protected person unless the order allows it. Contact a lawyer immediately so your evidence can be prepared before the review hearing.
Is an EPO a criminal charge?
No, an EPO is a civil court order. However, breaching it can lead to arrest and charges, and the same events may separately lead to a criminal investigation.
Can an EPO affect my parenting time?
Yes. An EPO can restrict contact with children and other family members named in the order. If parenting arrangements are affected, we can help you address them at the review hearing or through separate family court proceedings.
Charged, buying, or in a dispute?
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