Emergency protection orders (EPOS)

When can I get an Emergency Protection Order?

An EPO can only be obtained if there is an immediate threat of violence by a family member against you. A family member, for the purpose of obtaining an EPO, includes any person related by blood, marriage or adoption, a co-parent of your child and an adult interdependent partner.

How do I get an EPO?

Option 1: If the police have been called, they can obtain an EPO on your behalf at any time of the day or night.

Option 2: You can also go yourself to the Provincial Court of Alberta and appear before a judge and request an EPO. You do not have to let the person threatening violence know that you are going to court.

What happens next?

Regardless of which method you use, if an EPO is granted, you will have to appear again before a Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench within 9 days after the EPO is granted for a confirmation hearing. The justice at the confirmation hearing will decide whether the EPO should stay in place. For more information on EPOs, go to the Alberta Courts website.

For further information, contact one of our lawyers.