Starting January 2, 2026, the Alberta Court of King’s Bench will implement the Family Focused Protocol (FFP). This represents a major change in how family law matters are managed. This new approach is designed to streamline processes, encourage resolution outside of court, and ensure families receive the support they need. It is the goal of the Court that this new protocol will help reduce prolonged family litigation in court, and reduce the impact of on Children.
WHO IS AFFECTED?
The FFP applies to anyone using the Court of King’s Bench for family law matters, including:
- Divorce
- Adult interdependent partner separation (common-law separation)
- Parenting time and decision-making for children
- Spousal or partner support
- Child support
- Relocation
- Conflicts in parenting
- Division of family property after separation
If you currently have a matter before the Court of King’s Bench in any of these areas, or plan to file one, these changes will affect you.
DOES THIS APPLY TO THE ALBERTA COURT OF JUSTICE?
No. The Alberta Court of Justice, Alberta’s lower court, has not adopted these changes. Like the Court of King’s Bench, the Court of Justice has jurisdiction over matters such as parenting time, child support, and spousal support. However, it does not handle divorce applications or property division, which remain under the Court of King’s Bench. Although similar adjustments are expected in the Court of Justice, the current process will continue as is.
WHEN DOES THE NEW FFP START?
As of January 2, 2026, all family matters in the King’s Bench Court will adopt the new Family-Focused Protocol. This will apply to both new family matters and those initiated before that date.
WHAT CHANGES CAN I EXPECT UNDER THE NEW FFP?
Under the new Regular Family Process, parties must meet the mandatory requirements before the court will assist. These include:
- Completion of the Parenting After Separation (PAS) Course
The Parenting After Separation (PAS) course is a free program offered by the Government of Alberta. It is designed to help parents understand the impact of separation on children and provides practical tools for effective parenting. The course educates parents on how to manage parenting responsibilities after separation, and strategies to reduce conflict and support children’s well-being.
Once completed, participants will receive a certificate of completion that is valid for two years.
- Financial Disclosure
Under the Family Focused Protocol, parties seeking child support, spousal support, adult interdependent partner support, or property division must provide full financial disclosure before the court will assist. This requirement ensures transparency and fairness in resolving financial matters. Disclosure typically includes your three most recent T1 General tax return, current pay stubs or employment income statements, and, if you are self-employed or own a business, detailed information about business income, expenses, and any shares or ownership interests. Supporting documents such as bank statements, investment account summaries, and pension or retirement savings details may also be required.
For business owners, disclosure obligations extend to providing corporate financial statements, shareholder agreements, and records of dividends or distributions. These documents help the court and the other party understand the complete financial picture, which is essential for determining support obligations and dividing property fairly.
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Under the Family Focused Protocol, parties must make an effort to resolve their disputes through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) before the court will assist. ADR is an umbrella term for processes that help parties reach agreements outside of litigation, such as mediation, collaborative law, or other court-approved methods. This is a process that can be done with or without a lawyer. This step is mandatory and must be completed within the six months prior to filing or continuing an action.
The ADR process should address all issues related to separation, including divorce, property division, spousal and child support, and parenting arrangements. ADR is intended to reduce conflict, encourage cooperation, and help families resolve matters more efficiently and cost-effectively, while maintaining control over decisions rather than leaving them entirely to the court.
There is also a waiver process available for parties who are able to resolve their issues before attending court, or in situations where one party refuses to cooperate with the mandatory requirements. In such cases, an application can be made to the court to waive certain steps, provided there is sufficient evidence that further attempts at compliance are unnecessary or impractical. This process ensures that parties are not unduly delayed from accessing the court when genuine efforts have been made to resolve matters or when cooperation is not possible.
- Meeting with a Family Court Counsellor (FCC)
Self-represented parties are required to meet with a Family Court Counsellor (FCC) before proceeding under the Family Focused Protocol. This step is designed to provide guidance and support for individuals who do not have legal representation. FCCs assist by helping organize court materials, explaining disclosure requirements, and outlining the next steps in the process. They can also provide information about available dispute resolution services and help ensure that mandatory requirements are met.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU MEET THE REQUIREMENTS?
Once all mandatory steps are complete, parties can commence their family action in the Court of King’s Bench. This involves filing the appropriate court documents, serving them on the other party, and ensuring financial disclosure is provided. After the action is commenced, the process generally follows these stages:
MIT Conference (Management, Information, and Triage)
The first step after filing is the MIT Conference, a one-hour session held in a courtroom before a Family Roster Justice. This Justice will typically remain assigned to your case through resolution, except for the Settlement Conference or where a conflict arises. The MIT Conference is designed to manage your case and prepare for resolution. During this session, the Justice may:
- Grant interim relief (e.g., temporary child support, spousal support, parenting arrangements, or advance costs);
- Set procedural orders and deadlines;
- Grant consent orders;
- Order reports such as the voice of the child report;
- Appoint Child’s Counsel;
- Refer parties for appraisals, valuations, or other professional assistance; and
- Mediate issues where no interim relief is sought.
The Justice will also assess any special needs or accommodations for the Settlement Conference, such as security concerns, domestic violence considerations, accessibility requirements, cultural accommodations, and whether a child’s voice should be included through judicial interviews.
Settlement conference
Following the MIT Conference and compliance with all procedural orders, parties will attend a Settlement Conference. This step occurs only after full financial disclosure has been exchanged and outstanding issues have been narrowed. The goal is to focus on the core disputes and encourage resolution without trial.
The Settlement Conference is approximately 2.5 hours and is conducted by a Family Roster Justice to provide a fresh perspective and avoid conflicts between adjudication and mediation roles. Parties are expected to attend in good faith and present settlement offers on all outstanding issues. This process is intended to resolve matters efficiently and reduce the emotional and financial burden of litigation.
Trial
If issues remain unresolved after the Settlement Conference, the matter will proceed to trial. Trials are typically reserved for complex or highly contested issues and involve presenting evidence, witness testimony, and legal arguments before a judge who will make a final decision.
HOW CAN I PREPARE?
Speak with a Qualified Family Law Professional
Navigating family law can be complex, especially with the new Family Focused Protocol. A qualified family law lawyer can help you understand your rights and obligations, guide you through mandatory requirements, and ensure your documents are properly prepared. Legal advice early in the process can prevent costly mistakes and reduce stress, particularly if your matter involves property division, support calculations, or parenting arrangements.
Complete All Mandatory Requirements Early
Before the court will assist, you must meet specific requirements such as completing the Parenting After Separation course, participating in Alternative Dispute Resolution, providing full financial disclosure, and, if self-represented, meeting with a Family Court Counsellor. Starting these steps early avoids delays and ensures your case moves forward smoothly. These requirements are designed to prepare parties for resolution and encourage cooperation, so don’t wait until the last minute.
Explore ADR Options to Resolve Issues Outside of Court
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), such as mediation or collaborative law, can help you resolve disputes without the time, cost, and emotional strain of a trial. ADR allows parties to maintain control over decisions and often leads to faster, more amicable outcomes. Even if some issues remain unresolved, ADR can narrow the scope of conflict and make the court process more efficient. Engaging in ADR early demonstrates good faith and may significantly reduce litigation expenses.
CONCLUSION
The Family Focused Protocol marks a major change in Alberta’s family law process, aiming to make cases more efficient, cooperative, and child-focused. Preparing early—by completing mandatory requirements and exploring resolution options—can save time, reduce stress, and lead to better outcomes. If you have questions or need guidance, speak with a family lawyer at Stringam Law today. Our team is here to help you navigate these changes with confidence and protect what matters most to you and your family.
