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Part of Restraining and protection orders

Apply for an Emergency Protection Order

Learn how to apply for an Emergency Protection Order if you have been in a family violence situation.

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Restraining and protection orders

Protection from family violence

If you have been assaulted or you are in a family violence situation, contact your local police or RCMP detachment.

An Emergency Protection Order (EPO) can be granted when:

  • violent or threatening behaviour occurs between family members
  • there is evidence that immediate protection is necessary
  • there is reason to believe the family violence will resume or continue

In some cases, the police will apply for an EPO to provide you with immediate protection.

An EPO:

  • is only granted in situations of family violence
  • can only be applied for by you and family members
    • If you need protection from someone and are not experiencing family violence, contact Information Services for more information on your options.
  • is granted by the court and enforced by the police
  • can order a family member not to contact you and other family members
  • can order a family member not to come to your home, school, work or other places

How to apply

Contact information is different during the day, night and on weekends. Ensure you contact the correct office at the time you call.

  • Monday to Friday workday – 8:15 am to 4 pm

    Contact any one of these places to apply for an Emergency Protection Order (EPO).

    Call the police or RCMP

    Call your local police service or RCMP detachment at any time:

    • Tell them you need an EPO.

    In person at Alberta Court of Justice

    Apply for an EPO in person at any Alberta Court of Justice during regular business hours.

    For those attending the Edmonton Law Courts of the Calgary Court Centre, assistance is available through a Legal Aid Alberta-provided Court of Justice Emergency Protection Order (EPO) duty counsel.

  • Every evening – 4 pm to 11 pm

    Contact one of these places to apply for an Emergency Protection Order (EPO).

    Call the police or RCMP

    Call your local police service or RCMP detachment at any time:

    • Tell them you need an EPO.

    Edmonton Hearing Office – Areas north of Wetaskiwin 

    Phone: 1-780-422-3699
    Email: [email protected]

    Calgary Hearing Office – Areas Wetaskiwin and south

    Phone: 1-403-297-4444
    Email: [email protected]

    How to apply for an EPO by phone

    Steps to get permission to apply for an EPO by phone:

    1. Complete the online form: Claimant Screening form to apply for an EPO by phone.
    2. At the bottom of the form, click the 'Print version' button to save the form as a PDF and save it (download) to your computer.
    3. Email the hearing office (see Calgary or Edmonton above) and attach:
      • the completed Claimant Screening form to apply for an EPO by phone
      • a clear copy or picture of the front of your government-issued ID, like your driver’s licence
      • a clear copy or picture of the back of your government-issued ID, like your driver’s licence
    4. The screening form will be reviewed.
    5. If you qualify to apply for an EPO by phone, you will get a phone call from a Justice of the Peace.
      • You must answer your telephone – do not return a missed call because the courtroom can only make outgoing calls.
    6. If you do not qualify to apply for an EPO by phone, you will get an email stating you do not qualify.
      • You will then need to apply for an EPO through the police or RCMP, or Legal Aid Alberta or at an Alberta Court of Justice.

  • Every night – 11 pm to 7 am

    Contact one of these places to apply for an Emergency Protection Order (EPO).

    Call the police or RCMP

    Call your local police service or RCMP detachment at any time:

    • Tell them you need an EPO.

    All of Alberta (Calgary Hearing Office)

    Phone: 1-403-297-4444
    Email: [email protected]

    How to apply for an EPO by phone

    Steps to get permission to apply for an EPO by phone:

    1. Complete the online form: Claimant Screening form to apply for an EPO by phone.
    2. At the bottom of the form, click the 'Print version' button to save the form as a PDF and save it (download) to your computer.
    3. Email the Calgary Hearing Office (see above) and attach:
      • the completed Claimant Screening form to apply for an EPO by phone
      • a clear copy or picture of the front of your government-issued ID, like your driver’s licence
      • a clear copy or picture of the back of your government-issued ID, like your driver’s licence
    4. The screening form will be reviewed and you will get a reply as soon as possible.
    5. If you qualify to apply for an EPO court hearing by phone, you will get a phone call from a Justice of the Peace so you can immediately have the hearing over the telephone.
      • You must answer your telephone – do not return a missed call because the courtroom can only make outgoing calls.
    6. If you do not qualify to apply for an EPO by phone, you will get an email stating you do not qualify.
      • You will then need to apply for an EPO through the police or RCMP, or Legal Aid Alberta or at an Alberta Court of Justice.

  • Weekends and statutory holidays – 8 am to 11 pm

    Contact one of these places to apply for an Emergency Protection Order (EPO).

    Call the police or RCMP

    Call your local police service or RCMP detachment at any time:

    • Tell them you need an EPO.

    Edmonton Hearing Office – Areas north of Wetaskiwin

    Phone: 1-780-422-3699
    Email: [email protected]

    Calgary Hearing Office – Areas Wetaskiwin and south

    Phone: 1-403-297-4444
    Email: [email protected]

    How to apply for an EPO by phone

    Steps to get permission to apply for an EPO by phone:

    1. Complete the online form: Claimant Screening form to apply for an EPO by phone.
    2. At the bottom of the form, click the 'Print version' button to save the form as a PDF and save it (download) to your computer.
    3. Email the nearest hearing office (see Calgary or Edmonton above) and attach:
      • the completed Claimant Screening form to apply for an EPO by phone
      • a clear copy or picture of the front of your government-issued ID, like your driver’s licence
      • a clear copy or picture of the back of your government-issued ID, like your driver’s licence
    4. The screening form will be reviewed and you will get a reply as soon as possible.
    5. If you qualify to apply for an EPO by phone, you will get a phone call from a Justice of the Peace so you can immediately have the hearing over the telephone.
      • You must answer your telephone – do not return a missed call because the courtroom can only make outgoing calls.
    6. If you do not qualify to apply for an EPO by phone, you will get an email stating you do not qualify.
      • You will then need to apply for an EPO through the police or RCMP, or Legal Aid Alberta or at an Alberta Court of Justice.

    Note: After 11 pm on weekends and statutory holidays, see the process above for Every night – 11 pm to 7 am.

Related

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

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