The new Family Focused Protocol came into effect January 2, 2026. This process is designed to streamline court procedures, encourage resolution outside of court, and ensure families receive the support they need, tailored to their unique circumstances. The goal is to reduce unnecessary litigation and minimize negative impacts on families and children.
The new FFP applies to any family law matters within the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta, including:
Divorce
Parenting time and decision making for children
Child Support
Spousal and Partner Support
Parenting conflicts
Division of family property after separation
Relocation
How does the new process work?
Before proceeding in court, parties must complete mandatory requirements, which include:
1. Parenting After Separation Course (PAS) -
The Government of Alberta offers a free program called the Parenting After Separation (PAS) Course. This course is a mandatory step in family court matters involving children under the age of 18.
The PAS Course is designed to help parents understand how separation and divorce can affect children. It provides practical tools to support healthy parenting, reduce conflict, and focus on the best interests of the child during and after separation. The course is available online through Alberta Justice’s website Home | Alberta Justice.
Important: Only the official PAS certificate of completion is accepted by the court. A confirmation screen or email is not sufficient.
2. Financial Disclosure -
If your case involves child support, spousal support, adult interdependent partner support, or property division, full financial disclosure is required before the court will
proceed.
Financial disclosure promotes transparency and fairness, allowing the court and parties
to make informed decisions.
In most cases, disclosure includes:
The three most recent years of T1 General income tax returns;
The corresponding Notices of Assessment and Reassessment;
Recent pay stubs or proof of current income;
Information about Employment Insurance, disability benefits, or other income
sources;
If you are self-employed or own an interest in a business, additional disclosure is
required. This may include:
Corporate financial statements;
Shareholder or partnership agreements
Details of dividends, draws, or other distributions
Information about business income and expenses
Records confirming any ownership interests
Supporting documents such as bank statements, investment account summaries, pension information, and retirement savings details may also be necessary, particularly when property division is in issue.
3. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) -
Parties are expected to make a genuine effort to resolve disputes before going to court. ADR processes may include mediation, arbitration, collaborative law, settlement meetings, or other court-approved methods, with or without lawyers.
Key points:
ADR must generally be attempted within six months before filing a court
application;
It aims to reduce conflict, improve communication, encourage cooperation, and allow parents to maintain control over outcomes;
The court may waive ADR if:
A party refuses to participate;
Safety concerns exist (e.g., family violence);
The matter is urgent.
A waiver requires proof that ADR is unsafe, inappropriate, or impractical.
4. Meeting with a Family Court Counsellor (FCC) -
Self-represented parties must meet with an FCC before moving forward. FCCs:
Provide procedural guidance (not legal advice);
Explain the court process and next steps;
Review required documents and financial disclosure;
Assist with organizing court materials;
Provide information about dispute resolution services;
The goal is to help self-represented individuals navigate the process efficiently andsupport early, child-focused resolution.
After Completing Mandatory Requirements
Once the first four steps are completed, parties may begin their family law matter in the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta.
Starting a court action involves:
Preparing and filing commencement documents
Serving them on the other party
Confirming all financial disclosure has been exchanged
The court will not proceed until these steps are satisfied. The case then typically moves through:
1. MIT Conference (Management, Information, and Triage)
2. Settlement Conference
3. Trial (if necessary)
1. MIT Conference (Management, Information, and Triage) -
After a family action is started, the first court appearance is typically a Management, Information and Triage (MIT) Conference in the Court of King's Bench of Alberta.
The MIT Conference is usually a one-hour session held in a courtroom before a Family Roster Justice. In most cases, that Justice will remain assigned to manage your file through to resolution, except for the Settlement Conference or if a conflict arises.
The purpose of the MIT Conference is to actively manage the case and move it
toward timely, child-focused resolution. It is not a trial. Instead, the Justice reviews
the issues, ensures required steps have been completed, and makes procedural or
interim decisions where necessary.
During the MIT Conference, the Justice may:
Grant interim (temporary) relief, such as child support, spousal support,
parenting arrangements, or advance costs;
Set procedural directions and deadlines;
Grant consent orders where the parties agree;
Direct that a Voice of the Child Report be prepared;
Appoint counsel for the child, where appropriate; and
Refer the parties for appraisals, business valuations, parenting assessments, or
other professional assistance;
Facilitate discussion or resolution of issues that do not require formal interim
relief
The Justice will also consider whether any accommodations are needed for future court steps, including the Settlement Conference. This may include addressing safety concerns, family violence considerations, accessibility needs, cultural factors, security arrangements, or how a child’s views and preferences may be heard.
2. Settlement Conference -
After the MIT Conference and compliance with all procedural directions, the parties
will attend a Settlement Conference in the Court of King's Bench of Alberta. This step occurs once full financial disclosure has been exchanged and the issues have been clearly identified and narrowed.
The Settlement Conference is typically scheduled for approximately 2.5 hours and is conducted by a different Family Roster Justice than the one managing the file. This
ensures a fresh perspective and maintains the integrity of the case management
process.
The purpose of the Settlement Conference is to facilitate meaningful resolution discussions in a structured, judicially assisted setting. It is not a trial. The Justice will review the evidence, assess the legal and practical strengths and weaknesses of
each party’s position, and provide feedback to assist the parties in reaching a fair
and child-focused resolution.
Parties are expected to attend in good faith, be fully prepared, and present
reasonable settlement proposals addressing all outstanding issues. The Justice may:
Provide evaluative feedback on the likely outcome at trial;
Assist the parties in narrowing or resolving disputed issues;
Grant consent orders where agreement is reached;
Provide procedural direction for any remaining steps if settlement is not
achieved.
The Settlement Conference reflects the Family Focused Protocol’s emphasis on reducing conflict, encouraging cooperation, and minimizing the emotional and financial impact of litigation on children and families.
3. Trial -
If issues remain unresolved following the Settlement Conference, the matter will
proceed to trial in the Court of King's Bench of Alberta.
'A trial is a formal court hearing where each party presents evidence, calls witnesses,
and makes legal submissions before a Justice who will render a final, binding decision. Trials are generally reserved for matters that cannot be resolved through case management or settlement efforts and often involve complex, high-conflict, or
credibility-based issues.
Consistent with the Family Focused Protocol, the Court expects parties to have made genuine efforts to resolve disputes prior to trial. At trial, the Justice will determine the outstanding issues based on the evidence and the applicable law, with particular attention to the best interests of any children involved.
Trial decisions may address parenting arrangements, decision-making responsibility, child support, spousal support, property division, and any other remaining matters in dispute. Once a decision is issued, it results in a final order of the Court, subject only to appeal in limited circumstances.
Preparing for the Family-Focused Process
1. Speak with a Qualified Family Law Professional.
A qualified family lawyer can explain your rights and obligations, guide you through mandatory requirements, and help ensure your documents are properly prepared. Early legal advice can prevent mistakes and reduce stress, especially if your case involves property division, support calculations, or parenting arrangements.
2. Complete All Mandatory Requirements Early.
You must complete steps such as the Parenting After Separation course, participate in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), provide full financial disclosure, and, if self-represented, meet with a Family Court Counsellor. Starting these steps early prevents delays and ensures your case moves smoothly.
3. Explore ADR Options to Resolve Issues Outside of Court.
ADR processes, including mediation or collaborative law, allow parties to resolve disputes without the cost, delay, and stress of a trial. ADR keeps parties in control of decisions, often leads to faster and more amicable outcomes, and can narrow the issues that must be litigated. Engaging in ADR early demonstrates good faith and can significantly reduce litigation costs.
Conclusion
The Family-Focused Protocol represents a significant shift in Alberta’s family law process, designed to make cases more efficient, cooperative, and centered on the best interests of children. Preparing early can save time, reduce stress, and lead to better outcomes.
If you have questions or need guidance, contact Mountain Vista Law to schedule an initial consultation with a family lawyer. Our team is here to help you navigate these changes with confidence and protect what matters most to you and your family.
