Changes to Alberta’s Family Court in the Court of King’s Bench – What You Should Know (Part 1)

Conor Kopczynski

Family law matters can be some of the most difficult and emotional experiences people face. Recognizing this, Alberta’s family court system is introducing significant reforms aimed at resolving matters more efficiently and reducing conflict – with a particular focus on the well-being of children.

The new process, starting in January 2026, is designed to move families toward timely, lasting resolutions rather than prolonged interim disputes, while encouraging collaboration and early problem-solving.

Here are the key changes and what they mean for families.

1. Shifting the Focus from Interim to Final Resolution

The new system is focused on final outcomes, not endless interim hearings. For many years, families have found themselves returning to court repeatedly for temporary orders, which often increases conflict and cost.

The Court’s new approach is designed to reduce those repeat applications and move families toward a clear, structured process that ends in settlement or trial within defined timelines. This change should mean fewer court appearances, lower legal costs, and a faster path to final resolution.

2. Preparing Before You Enter the New Court System

Before you can enter the new court process, certain pre-court requirements must be met. The Court expects parties to take important steps before their first meeting with a judge.

To access the new process, parties must:

• Complete the Parenting After Separation (PAS) course (if applicable).
• Exchange and file financial disclosure.
• Confirm they have attempted or considered alternative dispute resolution (ADR) for all outstanding issues.
• Meet with a court counsellor (if a party is self-represented).

These requirements are not simply formalities – they are designed to help parties identify their key issues, exchange information early, and work toward resolution before court involvement becomes necessary.

ADR is broadly defined under the new system. It could include a four-way meeting with both parties and their lawyers, mediation, or another collaborative process. In addition, provincially funded mediation remains available across Alberta when one party earns under $60,000 per year.

By completing these steps in advance, families come into the system prepared, informed, and ready to make meaningful progress.

3. The Mandatory Intake and Triage (MIT) Meeting

Once the pre-court steps are complete, the first court appearance will be a mandatory one-hour intake and triage (MIT) meeting with a Court of King’s Bench Justice. This meeting marks the official start through the new system.

During the MIT, a judge will:

• Confirm that disclosure and ADR requirements have been met.
• Identify and narrow key issues for your case – for example, parenting arrangements, support, or property.
• Provide direction on what needs to be done before the settlement conference or trial.
• Grant interim relief where appropriate – for instance, temporary parenting or support orders needed to stabilize a matter while the case moves forward.

Importantly, the MIT judge will remain assigned to the file as it progresses through the system. This continuity is meant to provide consistency and efficiency, ensuring the judge understands the circumstances and can help guide the case toward resolution.

While the same judge will generally stay involved through to trial, returning to that judge before the next scheduled step will only occur in rare or urgent circumstances, such as when safety issues arise.

4. Clear Steps and Firmer Timelines

The new process sets out a clear and structured pathway to resolution. A typical file will move through these stages:

1. The Mandatory Intake and Triage (MIT) meeting.
2. Settlement Conference with a Judge – where the parties and their lawyers will meet with the judge to explore resolution opportunities. This process can be binding if the parties agree in advance.
3. If the matter doesn’t settle, a litigation plan is created, and a trial date is set.
4. A follow-up case conference with the MIT judge about three months before trial to ensure readiness.
5. Trial.

The Court’s goal is for most cases to reach a final order/trial within roughly 18 months of their settlement conference. This structured approach promotes predictability and helps parties plan their lives while reducing the emotional and financial strain of prolonged litigation.

Our team at Vogel LLP is here to help guide you through these changes and work toward a resolution that protects your family’s well-being. Contact us for a consultation today.

Click here to read Part 2.