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Alberta FAQs >Families & Relationships >Family Law Act

Family Law Act

The laws about property division for unmarried couples changed on January 1, 2020.

The new rules are similar to those that apply to married couples.

See our Property Division for Married and Unmarried Couples booklet for more information.

What is the Family Law Act?

The Family Law Act (FLA) is Alberta’s main family law. It came into effect on October 1, 2005. It covers most family law matters, except for divorce.

Last Reviewed: September 2019

What does the Family Law Act cover?

The Family Law Act covers many family law matters, including:

  • determining who are the parents and guardians of a child;
  • parenting and contact orders (time with children);
  • child support;
  • spousal or partner support.

Last Reviewed: September 2019

What does the Family Law Act not cover?

The Family Law Act does not cover:

  • child welfare matters (see the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act);
  • adoptions (see the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act);
  • divorces (see the Divorce Act);
  • children’s property under the Minor’s Property Act;
  • division of property (see the Family Property Act);
  • definition of adult interdependent relationships (see the Adult Interdependent Relationships Act).

See below for links to more FAQs on some of the topics listed above.

Last Reviewed: January 2020

Where can I get further information about the Family Law Act?

For more information about the Act and family law in general:

  • LawCentral Alberta – links to resources about family law
  • Government of Alberta – Family law assistance webpage
  • Government of Alberta – Information on law law legislation and resources. Page provides links to resources on child support, spousal support, parenting arrangements, court forms and procedures, child protection and private guardianship.
  • Alberta King’s Printer – for copies of Alberta legislation
  • 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 of Alberta Lawyer Referral service toll-free in Alberta at 1-800-661-1095.
  • Legal Aid Alberta
  • Maintenance Enforcement Program
  • Alberta Children’s Services
  • Alberta Family Mediation Society – to find a family law mediator in Alberta

Last Reviewed: September 2019

See Also

For more information, see these other Canadian Legal FAQs:

  • Adoption Records in Alberta
  • Adult Interdependent Relationships
  • Grandparents and Grandchildren
  • Marriage
  • Protection Against Family Violence Act
  • Divorce (including custody, access, child support and moving with children)

Links to more resources…

  • CPLEA’s Family Law Series – booklets in the series include information on:
    • Child custody and Parenting
    • Financial Support
    • Property Division for Married and Unmarried Couples
    • Young Parents
    • Representing Yourself in Family Court
  • Alberta Courts – court forms for family law matters
  • Alberta Justice videos – providing various guides for getting a divorce
  • Alberta Family Property Act
  • Parenting After Separation – online course for parents about the separation and divorce process, the effects of separation and divorce on children, techniques for communication, and legal information that affects parents and children.
  • Parenting After Separation (PAS) Parent’s Guide
  • Parenting After Separation for Families in High Conflict Parent’s Guide
  • Student Legal Services – Children at Risk – Child Welfare: A 2015 Alberta Guide to the Law
     

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