Alberta's New Family Law Act

On October 1, 2005, Alberta’s new Family Law Act came into effect. The new 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 new 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 new 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 procedures.

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