DID YOU KNOW THE ALBERTA COURT OF JUSTICE FAMILY LAW IS ABOUT TO CHANGE, AND IT COULD COMPLETELY RESHAPE HOW FAMILIES GO TO COURT STARTING THIS FALL?

The Alberta Court of Justice (formerly the Provincial Court of Alberta) is introducing new procedures and reforms. Beginning October 14, 2025, families in Alberta will face a new process before they can file a family law application in court. The goal is simple: help parents and partners resolve conflicts earlier, reduce stress, and focus on resolution rather than confrontation.

So, what’s changing? Let’s walk through it.

Here’s what’s new and what you’ll need to do:

STEP 1: Take the Parenting After Separation (PAS) Course:

If your case involves children under 18, you must now complete the free, online Parenting After Separation (PAS) course before filing anything in court. It’s a practical program that helps parents understand how separation impacts children and how to co-parent effectively. Once done, you’ll receive a PAS Certificate, which must be filed with your court documents. And here’s the catch: if you took the course more than two years ago, you’ll need to retake it.

STEP 2: Meet with a Family Court Counsellor (FCC):

If you’re self-represented, you’ll need to meet with a Family Court Counsellor (FCC) before filing. Think of them as your guide through the maze. FCCs help you understand your options, prepare your paperwork, and explore alternatives to court. They can also explain disclosure requirements, timelines, and when a waiver might be appropriate. They’ll walk you through what options you have for resolving your matter, what paperwork you’ll need, how to handle financial disclosure and when it might make sense to ask for a waiver. It’s like getting directions before you start the road trip and avoiding every wrong turn along the way.

STEP 3: Provide Financial Disclosure:

Few topics cause as much tension as money. But when it comes to family law, honesty about finances is not optional, it’s essential. Before filing anything related to child support, spousal support, or partner support, both parties must provide full financial disclosure. That means pay slips, tax returns, bank statements, the works. Skipping this step can delay your case, lead to penalties, or even cause the court to make decisions based on incomplete information. It might feel uncomfortable, but transparency here saves time, stress, and often, money in the long run.

STEP 4: Attend Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR):

Before filing a family law application, Alberta now requires most Applicants to try Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) first — unless the Court grants a waiver or deferral for urgent situations.

Think of ADR as a structured conversation with a neutral third party, designed to help you and the other side work through your issues without stepping into a courtroom. It’s your chance to see if agreements can be reached, saving time, stress, and sometimes money.

Here’s what you need to know:

• You must meet with an ADR provider approved by the Court within six months before filing your application.

• After the session, you’ll complete a Confirmation of Participation in ADR Form and file it with the Court. This is your proof that you’ve met the requirement.

• The session won’t count unless you’ve provided your full financial disclosure first — because meaningful discussion requires the facts to be on the table.

• If one party attends and provides their disclosure, the requirement is satisfied even if the other party doesn’t show up or share their information.

• Any issues that weren’t discussed during ADR can’t be brought to Court later without the Court’s permission.

The goal? ADR encourages real conversation, early resolution, and fairness, helping families explore solutions before litigation becomes necessary. It’s about giving families a chance to find common ground — and sometimes that’s all it takes to avoid a long, stressful court battle.

When Urgent Cases Can’t Wait:

In emergencies like risk of harm, abduction, severe financial hardship, or when the other party can’t be located, the Court may waive or defer these steps so your matter can proceed immediately.

Once you’ve completed the four steps, if an agreement is reached, it can be formalized through a Consent Court Order. If not, you’ll file your application with your PAS Certificate, ADR Form, and Financial Disclosure, and receive your court date.

Why These Changes Matter

This isn’t about red tape — it’s about resolution. Change can be uncomfortable, especially when it comes during one of the hardest seasons of your life. Alberta’s new process encourages families to learn, communicate, and explore solutions before heading to court. It’s a shift from confrontation to collaboration — and it’s designed to protect families, especially children, from unnecessary conflict.

Change can feel daunting, but with the right guidance, this new system could make your family law journey smoother, more informed, and less stressful. Our team understands both the emotional and legal sides of these changes and can guide you through every step — from the first conversation to final resolution. If you’re unsure where to start or whether your case qualifies for an exemption, our team can help you navigate each step with clarity and confidence.