Albertans have told us they want family law made simpler and more accessible. In response, Alberta Justice undertook the Family Law Reform Project, a review of all provincial family laws to see how they can be updated, consolidated and made more understandable for Albertans.

As part of the project, Albertans were asked to provide their input on a wide range of issues including spousal and child support, child access and maintenance, and the benefits and obligations of people involved in personal relationships. Input gathered during the consultation was recorded in the Alberta Family Law Reform Stakeholder Consultation Report.

In May 2003, the provincial government introduced Bill 45, the Family Law Act in the provincial Legislature.

The legislation incorporates recommendations from the Alberta Law Reform Institute, the 1998 MLA Review of the Maintenance Enforcement Program and Child Access, and the public consultation for the Family Law Reform Project. It also reflects proposed changes to the federal Divorce Act.

The legislation consolidates provincial family legislation while updating it to reflect current legal practices and making it easier for Albertans to understand.

The bill was passed during the fall 2003 sitting of the Legislature.