Province expands Calgary, Edmonton pre-court requirements for family matters

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 9, 2026.

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

A new protocol adopted by the Alberta Court of King’s Bench is changing how people will access help from the court when navigating family matters in Alberta.

The Family Focused Protocol, effective Jan. 2, is designed to streamline the point of contact for families and prioritize earlier resolution through settlement.

The protocol introduces new requirements that parties engaged in regular family process matters must complete prior to proceeding to trial, including a parenting after separation course and an alternative dispute resolution process.

The parenting after separation course covers topics including how separation affects children, parentings plans and alternative dispute resolution.

Parties also have to attempt an Alternative Dispute Resolution, a less formal process that encourages parties to reach a settlement using a trained, neutral third party outside court.

Parties filing an application for child or spousal support or division of property also have to submit a financial disclosure to determine the extent of support or division.

Individuals who are self-representing are also required to meet with a family court counsellor.

All parties seeking relief from the court in a family proceeding will be required to complete these requirements unless the matter is urgent or a waiver has been obtained.

These pre-court requirements were introduced in 2023 for Edmonton and Calgary. They were later expanded to Red Deer. As of Jan. 2, they are required province-wide.

11
-10