On January 2, 2026, the Court of King’s Bench in Alberta launched its new Family Focused Protocol (FFP). The FFP is a new framework for handling family and divorce cases in Alberta’s Court of King’s Bench. It replaces the old Family Docket Court and other interim procedures, such as Morning …
When a relationship involving children ends, parents must make decisions about how to share care and make important decisions for their children. Parenting arrangements are not permanent, and as children grow and family circumstances evolve, an existing child custody or parenting order may no longer reflect what is best for …
When families face challenges that affect the well-being of children, questions about child custody and guardianship often arise. In Alberta, the legal system recognizes the importance of maintaining stable and nurturing environments for children, and this extends to considering the role of grandparents. In this article, we will explore the …
Divorce and separation can be a difficult and emotional time for everyone involved, especially when children are involved. Some of the most contentious issues in a divorce or separation are parenting, custody, and access to children of the relationship. Many parents wonder if they can legally prevent their children from …
Parental Alienation is a complex and deeply painful dynamic that can profoundly affect families. This issue can be challenging to address emotionally and, in some cases, legally. With this particular backdrop, Alberta Family Courts are confronted with the unique challenge of evaluating and finding solutions on matters such as Parenting …
December is typically the busiest (and most stressful) time at the Court. Even if you do not celebrate Christmas, children still have time off from school and it is common for families to depart from their regular parenting schedule. If you do not have a formal parenting plan in place …
What would you do to ensure the safety and well-being of your children? If they were facing a significant health crisis, would you drive to the hospital every day? Would you drive to Edmonton every weekend for treatment? Would you sacrifice your career? Would you risk you own life for …
The Fault Line. The Earthquake. The Fall Out Using a natural disaster analogy to describe divorce may seem needlessly theatrical. The most fortunate couples who end their relationship will do so amicably, collaboratively and with minimal trauma. However, many spouses indeed experience the ending of a relationship as an unmitigated …
Along with the COVID-19 Pandemic have come court applications by parents seeking to change their parenting plans because of disagreements as to the other parent’s perceived lack of compliance with social distancing guidelines. A small but growing body of case law has generated common-sense principles that should be observed by …
Children will sometimes want to choose which parent to live with or express a preference for residing with one parent over the other. For a variety of reasons, the children do not get to choose which parent they live with but their preferences may be considered. Ultimately, if the parents …
