How to Get an Emergency Protection Order in Newfoundland and Labrador
A survivor-friendly guide to Emergency Protection Orders (EPOs) and longer-term options in Newfoundland & Labrador.
Emergency Protection Orders in Canada
What is an Emergency Protection Order (EPO)?
An Emergency Protection Order (EPO) is a short-term court order designed to give quick legal protection from a person who is causing harm or making threats within a close or family-type relationship.
EPOs can place limits on the other person’s actions. Depending on the province or territory, an EPO may:
- Order the person to stay away from you, your home, work, or school
- Forbid them from contacting you directly or indirectly
- Allow police to remove the person from a shared home
- Give you temporary possession of the home, vehicle, or certain property
- Set rules about children’s temporary safety and contact
The exact name and rules for emergency orders vary across provinces and territories. Some regions use terms like “Emergency Intervention Order” or “Emergency Protection Order,” and details of what can be included may differ.
How Emergency Protection Orders Are Issued Quickly
EPOs are designed for urgent situations where there is immediate risk and waiting for a regular court hearing could increase danger.
In many parts of Canada, EPOs can be:
- Requested with the help of police, victim services, or a shelter worker
- Heard by a judge or justice of the peace outside regular court hours
- Issued based on information given by phone or video, with written forms completed afterward
A judge or justice usually decides an EPO application based on:
- A description of what has been happening
- Recent incidents or threats
- Concerns about safety of children or other family members
Because EPOs are for urgent safety, the other person is often not present when the order is first made. They are usually given a chance later to respond at a review or court hearing.
Service of the EPO
After an EPO is granted, it usually needs to be “served” on the other person so they know it exists and understand the conditions.
Common ways EPOs are served include:
- Police delivering a copy of the order to the other person
- A sheriff or process server giving the order to them in person
- In some situations, alternative service methods approved by the court if the person cannot be located
The order usually takes effect as soon as it is granted, but enforcing it is easier once police know the person has been served.
It is usually safest if you do not personally serve court papers on the other person. Police or another designated person normally do this.
Review Hearings for EPOs
EPOs are meant to be temporary. Many provinces and territories require a review hearing within a short time, such as 7 to 21 days, but timelines vary by region.
At the review hearing, a judge may:
- Confirm the order and keep it in place for a set time
- Change the terms (for example, contact rules or distance requirements)
- End the EPO if the legal requirements are no longer met
- Convert or transfer the EPO into a longer-term protection or family court order
You may be asked to attend the review hearing, either in person or remotely. The other person is usually allowed to attend and give their side at this stage.
If going to court feels unsafe, you can ask about appearing by phone or video, or using separate waiting areas. Options depend on the courthouse and region.
Longer-Term Protection Options
EPOs are usually short-term. If you need ongoing safety measures, there are longer-term legal options that may be available, depending on where you live and your situation. These can include:
Longer-Term Protection or Restraining Orders
- Peace bonds or similar criminal-law based protections
- Family court protection orders or restraining orders
- Orders limiting contact, visits, or communication for a longer period
These orders may require a fuller court process, with more detailed evidence and scheduled hearings.
Family Court Orders Related to Children and Property
In some situations, safety concerns are addressed alongside family law issues, such as:
- Parenting time and decision-making about children
- Supervised contact or exchanges
- Temporary use of the family home
- Financial support arrangements
Courts can sometimes include specific safety conditions in family law orders.
Working With Local Supports
Legal and community supports can help you understand which options fit your situation and region. Additional support options across Canada, including legal and safety resources, can be found through organizations listed at DV.Support.
Laws and processes for EPOs and longer-term orders differ across Canada. For details about your province or territory, local legal clinics, victim services, or community organizations can explain how the process works where you live.