Family law workshops in Calgary play an important role in helping individuals understand separation, divorce, parenting arrangements, and support obligations under Alberta law. These programs range from mandatory court-connected courses to voluntary legal education sessions offered by community organizations, legal clinics, and private providers.
In many cases, participation in certain programs, such as the Parenting After Separation (PAS) course, is required before family law matters can proceed through the court system. Other workshops focus on practical topics like co-parenting after separation, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and navigating the family court process.
What Are Family Law Workshops in Calgary?
Family law workshops in Calgary are educational sessions, offered in-person or online, that provide general information about family law processes in Alberta. These workshops are designed to help individuals understand key issues that arise during separation and divorce, including parenting arrangements, child support, spousal support, property division, and the court process.
They are typically delivered by a range of organizations, including Legal Aid Alberta, Resolution Services, Calgary Legal Guidance, university-based legal clinics such as the University of Calgary Faculty of Law, and some private family law firms. Each provider may focus on different aspects of family law, ranging from court procedures and legal rights to practical guidance on co-parenting and dispute resolution.
The content of these workshops is generally introductory and informational. They may explain how Alberta’s family law system works, outline available dispute resolution options such as mediation or arbitration, and provide guidance on preparing for court or meeting procedural requirements.
It is important to note that family law workshops do not provide legal advice or create a lawyer-client relationship. They are intended solely for general education and are not a substitute for speaking directly with a family lawyer about a specific situation or for receiving tailored legal guidance.
Types of Family Law Workshops in Calgary
Calgary offers a range of family law workshops, courses, and public legal education programs designed to help individuals better understand the legal process during separation, divorce, parenting disputes, and support matters. Some workshops are mandatory before certain court proceedings can move forward, while others are voluntary educational sessions that provide practical guidance, legal information, and support resources.
Parenting After Separation (PAS) Course
The Parenting After Separation course is one of the most common family law programs in Alberta. This government-run course is mandatory in many family law cases involving children before parents can proceed through certain court processes.
The course is designed to help parents understand how separation and divorce affect children and how to reduce conflict during and after the separation process. Participants learn about effective co-parenting communication, parenting arrangements, conflict-resolution strategies, and the legal principles that govern parenting decisions in Alberta.
The PAS course reflects Alberta family law’s focus on the best interests of the child and encourages parents to prioritize stability, cooperation, and healthy communication.
The course is offered free of charge through Alberta Resolution Services and is available online in both English and French. In many Court of King’s Bench matters under Alberta’s New Family Focused Protocol, proof of PAS completion must be filed with the court before the matter can proceed.
Parenting After Separation for Families in High Conflict (PASHC))
In higher-conflict parenting disputes, the court may require parents to complete the Parenting After Separation for High Conflict Families (PASHC) course in addition to the standard PAS program.
This workshop is intended for situations in which communication between parents has significantly deteriorated or in which ongoing conflict is affecting parenting and decision-making. The program focuses on helping parents reduce emotional escalation, establish appropriate boundaries, and develop practical parenting strategies in high-conflict situations.
Topics commonly addressed include:
- Managing communication in contentious co-parenting relationships
- Reducing children’s exposure to parental conflict
- Building structured parenting plans
- Emotional disengagement techniques
- Understanding the impact of the ongoing conflict on children
Parents must typically complete the regular PAS course before attending PASHC. The parties participate separately rather than together to help minimize further conflict.
Legal Aid Alberta
Legal Aid Alberta provides legal assistance and family law support services for financially eligible Albertans. In addition to legal representation in some matters, Legal Aid Alberta also offers information resources, referrals, and assistance related to parenting disputes, child support, guardianship, spousal support, and divorce proceedings.
Workshops and support services may help individuals:
- Understand Alberta family law processes
- Prepare court applications and financial disclosure
- Navigate parenting and support issues
- Access mediation and dispute resolution resources
- Learn about court procedures and timelines
These services can be particularly helpful for self-represented individuals navigating the family court system for the first time.
Calgary Legal Guidance
Calgary Legal Guidance regularly offers public legal education programs, workshops, and legal clinics for low-income Calgarians dealing with family law and other legal challenges.
These sessions are intended to improve access to legal information and help individuals better understand their rights and responsibilities under Alberta family law legislation, including the Divorce Act and the Family Law Act.
Topics covered may include:
- Parenting and guardianship issues
- Child and spousal support
- Domestic protection orders
- Court preparation
- Separation and divorce processes
- Financial disclosure obligations
Many of these programs are offered free of charge and may include opportunities to ask questions or speak with volunteer lawyers.
Family Law Firm and Mediation Information Sessions
Some Calgary family law firms and private mediators host educational seminars or information sessions for individuals considering separation, mediation, or court proceedings.
These workshops are typically voluntary and focus on helping participants better understand:
- The family court process
- Alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
- Mediation and arbitration
- Parenting plans and separation agreements
- Financial disclosure requirements
- Child support and spousal support obligations
These sessions are often designed to provide practical guidance before a person formally begins legal proceedings and may help individuals determine whether negotiation or mediation is appropriate for their situation.
University of Calgary Law Clinic Public Education Sessions
The University of Calgary Faculty of Law and its affiliated legal clinic periodically offer public legal education sessions on family law topics and access-to-justice issues.
These sessions may address:
- Family court procedures
- Parenting and guardianship disputes
- Access to legal resources
- Self-representation in family court
- Alternative dispute resolution options
Programs offered through university legal clinics can help individuals gain a better understanding of how Alberta’s family justice system operates while also connecting them with additional legal resources and referrals.
Women’s Centre of Calgary
The Women’s Centre of Calgary regularly hosts community-based workshops and educational sessions related to family law and separation.
These programs are often geared toward individuals seeking practical information about:
- Parenting arrangements
- Child support
- Property division
- Separation and divorce
- Navigating legal systems and community supports
The Women’s Centre frequently updates its programming schedule with new workshops and legal information events throughout the year.
Families Matter Calgary
Families Matter offers family-focused workshops and online legal education sessions for parents navigating separation and parenting disputes.
Programs may include topic-specific sessions or workshops focused on parenting rights, co-parenting strategies, and family law questions. Some sessions allow participants to ask lawyers questions directly in an educational setting.
These workshops are designed to provide accessible, practical information to families dealing with parenting, support, and separation-related issues outside a formal courtroom setting.
The Alberta Family Focused Protocol and Family Law Workshops in Calgary
On January 2, 2026, Alberta introduced the Family Focused Protocol (FFP) for family law matters in the Court of King’s Bench. The FFP created a more structured process for resolving family disputes and places greater emphasis on early resolution and preparation before court involvement.
In many contested cases, parties are expected to complete steps such as ADR, financial disclosure, and the Parenting After Separation course before the matter proceeds to court.
As a result, family law workshops and educational programs in Calgary may help individuals better understand:
- Mediation and other ADR processes
- Parenting obligations after separation
- Court procedures and documentation requirements
- Financial disclosure obligations
- Co-parenting and conflict reduction strategies
These workshops are separate from the court process itself, but they can help individuals prepare for the procedural and practical requirements commonly encountered under the FFP.
How to Find Family Law Resources in Calgary
Family law workshops, legal information sessions, and support services in Calgary are delivered through several key public and professional organizations. Most individuals access these resources through government programs, legal clinics, and court-based services.
Government and Court-Connected Services
Resolution Services (Government of Alberta)
Provides registration for the Parenting After Separation (PAS) course and access to information about ADR, including mediation and settlement options.
Calgary Courts Centre
Offers self-represented litigant resources, court forms, and information desks that help individuals understand court procedures, filing requirements, and next steps in family law matters.
Legal Clinics and Public Legal Education
Calgary Legal Guidance
Provides free or low-cost legal advice clinics and public legal education sessions on family law topics, including parenting, support, and court processes.
Legal Aid Alberta
Offers legal information, representation for eligible individuals, and educational support related to family law issues, including parenting disputes, child support, and divorce.
Together, these resources provide multiple entry points for individuals in Calgary to access family law workshops, legal education, and support services depending on their needs and financial circumstances.
How Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP Supports Families Through Family Law Processes in Calgary
Family law workshops and educational programs can help individuals understand their rights, responsibilities, and the court process, but they do not replace legal advice tailored to a specific situation. Many families also benefit from legal support when interpreting workshop information or applying it to their own circumstances.
Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP assists clients by providing practical legal guidance on how family law workshops and court requirements fit into their overall case strategy. This includes explaining mandatory steps such as the Parenting After Separation (PAS) course, ADR obligations under the Family Focused Protocol, and financial disclosure requirements.
The family law firm also provides ARD services, including mediation and arbitration, to help parties work through disputes in a structured setting. These services can assist with resolving issues such as parenting arrangements, child support, and spousal support without proceeding directly to litigation where appropriate.
In addition, legal consultations can help individuals prepare for workshops and court-connected programs by clarifying what information is relevant, what documents may be required, and how to approach negotiation or mediation discussions effectively.
To speak with a lawyer about your situation or to book a consultation, contact Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP.
Frequently Asked Questions
What family law workshops are available in Calgary in 2026?
Family law workshops in Calgary are available through several sources in 2026. The Parenting After Separation (PAS) course, offered online through Alberta’s Resolution Services, is the most structured program and is mandatory for parents with dependent children before certain court proceedings. Calgary Legal Guidance and Legal Aid Alberta offer free or low-cost public legal education sessions covering topics such as property division, child support, and court procedures. Some Calgary family law firms also hold informational sessions on mediation and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. All workshops provide general information only and do not constitute legal advice.
Is the Parenting After Separation course mandatory in Alberta?
The Parenting After Separation course is mandatory in Alberta for parents with dependent children before certain family court proceedings. The course is offered online through Alberta’s Resolution Services and is free. It covers topics such as the impact of separation on children, communication between co-parents, and conflict-reduction strategies.
What changed under the Alberta Family Focused Protocol in 2026?
The Alberta Family Focused Protocol (FFP) came into effect on January 2, 2026. Under the FFP, most parties in Alberta family law matters are required to attempt alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation, before the court will schedule a hearing. This procedural change has made pre-litigation mediation a standard step in many Calgary family law files.
Can a family law workshop replace a lawyer?
A family law workshop cannot replace a lawyer. Workshops provide general educational information about legal processes and concepts. They do not offer legal advice specific to your situation, review or draft documents, or represent you in negotiations or court. Because family law outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case, including asset values, parenting history, and prior court orders, a workshop is a starting point, not a substitute for qualified legal counsel.
Where can I find free family law help in Calgary?
Free family law resources in Calgary are available through Calgary Legal Guidance, Legal Aid Alberta (for those who qualify financially), Resolution Services (the Parenting After Separation course and ADR resources), and the Calgary Courts Centre (self-represented litigant support and information). The Law Society of Alberta’s ‘Find a Lawyer’ service can help connect a person with a lawyer for an initial consultation.