Family Law Act
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Family Law Act
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I've heard about new legislation taking effect in October 2005. What is the Family Law Act?
The Family Law Act came into effect on October 1, 2005. This Act replaces the Domestic Relations Act, the Parentage and Maintenance Act, the Maintenance Order Act, the family law provisions of the Provincial Court Act, and part of the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act that deals with private guardianship. The Family Law Act also amends other legislation.
Are there issues that the Family Law Act does not address?
Yes. The Family Law Act does not address:
- child welfare matters under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act;
- adoptions under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act;
- a divorce action under the federal government Divorce Act;
- children's property under the Minor's Property Act;
- division of property under the Matrimonial Property Act;
- the definition of adult interdependent partners under the Adult Interdependent Relationships Act.
Where can I get further information about the Family Law Act?
There are several sources of information about the Act:
- LawNet Alberta has a section on the Family Law Act with useful links.
- Alberta Justice website at www.justice.gov.ab.ca/families/.
- Copies of the Act and regulations can be obtained from the Alberta Queen's Printer website at www.qp.gov.ab.ca.
- Your lawyer can help if you have questions or need legal advice on personal family law matters. If you do not have a lawyer, call the Law Society's Lawyer Referral Service toll-free in Alberta at 1-800-661-1095.
- Alberta's public legal education and information organizations can provide legal information. See A-Link Directory for organizations near you.
- Maintenance Enforcement Program can help with enforcement of support orders - call (780) 422-5555.
- Alberta Children's Services can help with child welfare protection concerns or adoptions. Call (780) 422-3004.
- If you are on a low income and need help getting a child support order, contact Alberta Employment and Immigration at 780-415-6400 (Edmonton) or 403-297-6060 (Calgary) to connect with the Child Support Services Program.
- Alberta Seniors and Community Development Office of the Public Guardian can help with personal care of dependent adults. Call 310-0000 toll-free to connect to any of the Alberta offices.
- Office of the Public Trustee can be reached at (780) 427-2744 for financial matters on children's estates or dependent adults.
- Alberta Education regarding registration of children at school - call (780) 427-7219.
- To find a mediator, see Alberta Family Mediation Society at www.afms.ca.
- For more FAQs, please visit Legal Aid Alberta.
- Please note that all Alberta government departments can be reached toll-free by calling the RITE line at 310-0000.
See Also
For more information, see these other Canadian Legal FAQs.
This page was last updated in October, 2005.
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Content last reviewed 22:39, 25 February 2011.