Alberta's Family Law Act

The Family Law Act was proclaimed on October 1, 2005. The Act is part of the Alberta Justice’s Family Law Strategy aimed at creating a simple, integrated and effective family law system that promotes the well-being of children and families.

The Family Law Act is based on a review of provincial family law in consultation with the legal community, service delivery agencies, and the public. The Family Law Act:

• updates family law, and makes it easier and simpler for Albertans to understand
• reflects the current needs of families
• protects the best interests of the child when families break down
• encourages parents to work together to reduce the effect of conflict on children, and the emotional and financial costs to families when relationships break down
• supports, where appropriate, ways of resolving conflicts outside the court room
• addresses issues in many areas of family life important to Albertans and is supported by services to assist families, as well as streamlined court procedure

The Family Law Act does not address child welfare matters including adoptions under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act, children’s property under the Minor’s Property Act, division of matrimonial property under the Matrimonial Property Act, and divorces under the federal Divorce Act.