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Are you unsure if you have a legal problem, or if your problem requires a lawyer? Do you need to speak with a lawyer right away?  There are a few ways that Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) can help you.  Choose the option that best fits your situation:
Duty Counsel
Duty Counsel are lawyers who can help you at your first court appearance for free.
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Victims of family violence
If you or your family are victims of family violence we can help you obtain protection.
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Emergency Protection Order Program

The Family Law Office, a program of LAA, helps victims of family violence through its Emergency Protection Order Program (EPOP). 

Offered in Edmonton and Calgary (and surrounding areas), this program is free and there are no eligibility requirements.  This means that you do not have to apply for legal aid and/or be granted coverage to access this service.

The Emergency Protection Order Program provides clients with information and lawyers that can help them to obtain and confirm protection orders. These lawyers are staff lawyers that work at the Family Law Office and who attend court on a daily basis to represent clients who have experienced violence in their lives. The EPOP also provides ongoing information, risk assessments, and safety plans to victims of family violence.

 

What Things Can An Emergency Protection Order Include?

An Emergency Protection Order can:

  • Prevent a family member from contacting you and other family members
  • Prevent a family member from coming to your home, school, work, or other places.
  • Remove a family member from your home
  • Seize weapons

 

What Constitutes As Family Violence?

Family violence can sometimes be difficult to recognize, especially when being victimized by it.  Family violence can be any of the following:

  • Injury to a family member or damage to property, either of which is intended to intimidate or harm a family member 
  • Any act or threat that causes a family member to be afraid for their safety or their property and which is intended to intimidate or harm a family member
  • Forced confinement
  • Sexual abuse
  • Stalking

 

Is there anyone at the courthouse that can help me?

Lawyers at the Family Law Office provide Duty Counsel service, to assist applicants with the initial application for the Emergency Protection Order in Provincial Court. Please contact your nearest LAA regional office for more information on when Duty Counsel is available.

 Contact Info
If you or members of your family are victims of family violence, please call the Emergency Protection Order program:

In Edmonton: (780) 422-9222

In Calgary: (403) 355-4868

If you have been assaulted or if the threat of danger is immediate, call 911 or your local police department/RCMP detachment.
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