Starting January 2, 2026, Alberta is changing how families go through the court process for separation and divorce. The courts are introducing a “family first” protocol (officially called the Family Focus Protocol) aimed at making the process more family-friendly and less stressful. In plain terms, this means you can’t just file court papers and immediately get a hearing date anymore – there are a few important steps to complete first. Don’t worry, these steps are designed to help you and your children by encouraging cooperation and preparation before heading to court.
A More Family-Focused Process in 2026
In the past, many people filed an application and go to Family Docket Court (an initial short court appearance) to start their case. Beginning in 2026, that old system is being replaced. The new protocol puts families first by ensuring certain things are done before you ever stand before a judge. The goal is to reduce conflict and protect children by making sure everyone has the right information and support early on. It’s a shift towards a more thoughtful, family-focused approach – one that could make the whole experience less adversarial and easier on everyone.
Three Key Steps Before Going to Court
1. Parenting After Separation (PAS) Course: If you have children under 18, you and your ex-partner need to take a short Parenting After Separation course and get a certificate of completion. This course is free and available online, and it offers helpful tips on co-parenting and reducing conflict. Your PAS certificate must be dated within the last two years to count.
2. Full Financial Disclosure: You’ll need to gather, file and serve all relevant financial information with the other party before court. Courts now require this financial disclosure to be complete, up-to-date, and in digital format.
3. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Before asking a judge to decide your issues, you must show that you’ve tried at least one form of ADR, such as mediation or collaborative law on all issues (property, support and parenting). This step is required to file your court application and have been completed within 6 months prior.
Self-represented parties with children under the age of 18 are also required to meet with a Family Court Counsellor (“FCC”) who can assist with providing resources and guidance.
Introducing the Mandatory Intake Meeting
The new process includes a private intake session to review your case instead of a public docket court appearance. This meeting is with a judge who helps assess readiness and next steps. It’s designed to be more personal and solution-focused.
Why This Change Matters
This shift is meant to reduce stress, encourage cooperation, and put children’s well-being at the heart of family law matters. While it might feel like extra work, these steps actually help you get to solutions faster and with more control.
How We Can Help
At Maes Divorce Consulting, we guide you through each requirement:
- Clarifying your Parenting After Separation course status
- Preparing and digitizing your full financial disclosure and net worth statement
- Connecting you with trusted mediators or other ADR professionals
We also partner with SimpleEquity | DivorceAssist, a secure online platform that helps you:
- Collect and organize financial disclosure
- Project net worth clearly and transparently
- Collaborate with lawyers and financial experts
This tool ensures your disclosure is ready, complete, and accessible to the right professionals. It saves you time and reduces confusion during what is often an emotionally difficult process.
Reach Out Today
Need help getting ready for Alberta’s new Family First protocol? Contact Maes Divorce Consulting. You can reach us through our website or call us at 403-200-4845. Ready to take the next step? Use our secure contact form to get in touch or book a mediation consultation: https://maesconsulting.ca/contact-us
As of January 2, 2026, it’s a requirement to try an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) method, such as mediation, before going to court. We will mediate where we can to help resolve matters efficiently and cooperatively.
We also want to remind you that it’s important to seek legal advice when dealing with separation, divorce, or parenting matters. Maes Divorce Consulting works alongside legal counsel, not instead of it. We support you with preparation and organization so you can make the most of your time and resources with your lawyer.
Sources:
Court of King’s Bench of Alberta – Notice to the Profession and Public: “Mandatory Family Pre-Court Requirements,” Dec 18, 2023
Alberta Courts – News and Announcements: “Family Pre-Court Requirements Now Mandatory in Calgary and Edmonton”
Alberta Government – “Family Justice Strategy” News Release, Dec 1, 2023
Alberta Government – “Bringing Family Justice Services to More Albertans,” July 23, 2025
Alberta Government – Family Resolution Hub, www.alberta.ca
Canadian Lawyer Magazine – “Alberta injects $3.2M more into Family Justice Strategy,” July 24, 2025
Court of King’s Bench of Alberta – Announcement: “2025 Scheduling Changes,” July 25, 2025
FamilyCounsel.ca – Announcement of Court of King’s Bench Family Bar Town Hall, Sept 22, 2025
Demas Schaefer Family Law Blog – “Mandatory ADR Before a Court Action,” May 2024
Open Government Alberta – “Family Law Mandatory Requirements Information Package”
