How to Get a Civil Protection Order in Quebec
A clear explanation of Quebec Civil Protection Orders and emergency options.
Civil Protection Orders: What You Should Know
Understanding Civil Protection Orders
Civil protection orders are legal tools designed to help individuals maintain safety and reduce contact with someone they feel threatened by. These orders are issued by a court and can include various restrictions on the person named in the order.
Emergency vs. Regular Applications
An emergency protection order is a temporary order that can be issued quickly, often without the other party present, to provide immediate protection. These are usually short-term and last only until a full hearing can be held.
A regular application for a protection order involves a more formal court process. After the initial emergency order, or if no emergency order is requested, this application gives both parties a chance to present their case at a hearing before the court decides on a longer-term order.
Service and Hearings
If a protection order is requested, the respondent (the person the order is against) must be officially notified, also called "service," so they know about the court proceedings. This ensures they have an opportunity to attend the hearing.
At the hearing, a judge will listen to information from both sides and decide whether to grant, modify, or deny the protection order. Hearings may cover the conditions and length of the order.
Possible Relief the Court May Order
The court can include several types of relief within a civil protection order, such as:
- Restricting contact or requiring no communication between the parties
- Ordering the respondent to stay away from certain places, like home, work, or school
- Temporary custody or visitation arrangements for children
- Prohibiting harassment, threats, or abuse
Additional support options can be found through resources listed at DV.Support.