What qualifies as a family law emergency in Alberta?

Family law emergencies include: immediate safety concerns (family violence, child abuse), risk of child abduction or relocation, urgent financial needs (freezing assets, exclusive possession of home), denial of court-ordered parenting time, and imminent harm to children's wellbeing. The situation must require urgent intervention before a regular court date can be scheduled.

How do I get an emergency court order in Edmonton?

For Emergency Protection Orders (family violence), contact the Edmonton Police or call the EPO line at 780-422-9222. For urgent custody matters, contact the Court of King's Bench courthouse to request an emergency application slot. You'll need to demonstrate why the matter is urgent and cannot wait for regular scheduling.

Can I get a same-day court order in Alberta?

Yes, in genuine emergencies. Emergency Protection Orders can be obtained 24/7 through police or a Justice of the Peace. Urgent custody applications can sometimes be heard same-day or next-day through the court's emergency procedures, but you must demonstrate immediate risk of harm.

What is an Emergency Protection Order (EPO)?

An EPO is a court order under Alberta's Protection Against Family Violence Act that provides immediate protection from family violence. It can: remove the abuser from the home, prohibit contact, grant temporary custody of children, and restrict the abuser's movements. EPOs are available 24/7 and can be obtained without the abuser present (ex parte).

If you or your children are in immediate danger, call 911.

Emergency Court Orders in Alberta: Complete 2026 Guide

How to obtain urgent court relief when you can't wait for regular court scheduling.

Last updated: January 2026 | 10 min read

1. What Qualifies as an Emergency

Not every urgent situation qualifies for emergency court procedures. Courts reserve emergency applications for situations involving:

Immediate Safety Concerns

Family violence, threats, child abuse or neglect, risk of harm

Child Abduction Risk

Parent threatening to flee, passports being obtained, international relocation planned

Urgent Financial

Asset dissipation, need for exclusive home possession, emergency support

Denial of Access

Parent wrongfully withholding children contrary to court order

2. Emergency Protection Orders (EPOs)

EPOs are the primary tool for immediate protection from family violence in Alberta. They're available 24/7 and can be obtained quickly.

Edmonton EPO Line: 780-422-9222

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

What an EPO Can Do

Remove the abuser from the family home
Prohibit contact with you and your children
Grant you temporary custody of children
Give you exclusive possession of the home
Prohibit the abuser from certain locations
Order police to accompany you to retrieve belongings

How to Get an EPO

Call Edmonton Police (non-emergency) or the EPO line
Speak with a Justice of the Peace by telephone
Explain the violence or threats you've experienced
If granted, police will serve the order on the abuser
EPO is reviewed by a judge within 9 days

3. Urgent Custody Applications

For custody emergencies not involving violence (where EPO isn't appropriate), you can apply for urgent relief through the Court of King's Bench.

Examples of Urgent Custody Matters

Parent planning to relocate with children imminently
Child being kept from school or medical care
Parent exposing child to dangerous situations
Denial of court-ordered parenting time
Parent requiring hospitalization with no care plan for children

4. The Emergency Application Process

Contact the Court

Call the Court of King's Bench to request emergency application scheduling.

Prepare Documents

Draft application and supporting affidavit explaining the emergency.

Attempt Service

If possible, serve the other party. If not possible, explain why to the court.

Attend Hearing

Present your case. Be prepared to explain why this is a true emergency.

5. What to Prepare

For any emergency application, gather:

Documentation of the emergency (photos, messages, emails)
Police report numbers if applicable
Medical records if injuries involved
Any existing court orders
Children's school and care information
Contact information for the other party
Witness contact information

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Need Emergency Legal Help?

If you're facing a family law emergency, we can help you understand your options and take immediate action to protect yourself and your children.