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We continue to provide legal services, including Duty Counsel, at courthouses across the province. Some of those services may be provided by phone or CCTV as determined by the respective courthouses.
We continue to provide legal services, including Duty Counsel, at courthouses across the province. Some of those services may be provided by phone or CCTV as determined by the respective courthouses.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many Albertans stress and anxiety. For families experiencing domestic violence, it can be much more severe as the isolation can compound an already dangerous situation.
We help victims of family violence through our Emergency Protection Order Program. The program provides these individuals with information and a lawyer who can help them to obtain and confirm protection orders. This service is free of charge and there are no financial eligibility requirements.
To ensure that the most vulnerable in Alberta continue to receive the support they need to protect their health and well-being during this health crisis, we have developed new and innovative ways to support victims of family violence.
Provincial Court EPO Duty Counsel are working in Court to support Albertans facing family violence issues. We continue to provide legal advice, document preparation and representation at the Provincial Court Applications.
Victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Provincial Court EPO Duty Counsel in Edmonton at 780-422-4730 and in Calgary at 403-355-4868 to get legal advice on their situation.
Our lawyer will assess the situation and determine if the matter meets the requirements of the Protection Against Family Violence Act. If it does, the lawyer will verify the client’s identity and prepare the EPO application. The lawyer will then appear at the hearing, question the client and provide submissions to the court. Duty Counsel is also aiding clients with safety planning or connecting them with our justice navigators – all in an effort to keep them safe.
Emergency Protection Order applications and reviews have been taking place in Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, Lethbridge and Wetaskiwin with Legal Aid Alberta Duty Counsel appearing on behalf of the claimant.
As a result of collaboration between Legal Aid Alberta and Alberta Courts, all King’s Bench EPO Review hearings are taking place remotely across the province.
The purpose of the King’s Bench Review is to determine if the EPO should be confirmed. If the claimant does not retain counsel or attend the court date by phone, the EPO could be vacated. Legal Aid Alberta provides victims of domestic violence a free lawyer to assist during the King’s Bench Review process.
The purpose of the King’s Bench Review is to determine if the EPO should be confirmed. If a Respondent does not oppose the EPO, the EPO could be continued for a period of one year.
If the Respondent wants a free lawyer to assist through the review hearing process, they can call us at 1-866-845-3425. A lawyer will then participate in the hearing on their behalf.
Claimants
Edmonton and area
780-422-9222
Calgary and area
403-297-5260
All other locations
1-866-845-3425
Respondents
Toll-free: 1-866-845-3425
Ask for a Duty Counsel lawyer to be appointed for your review hearing and they will appear on your behalf.
Watch the recording and browse FAQs from our online information session about how an emergency protection order can keep someone safe from an abuser.
