Navigating the 2026 Family-Focused Protocol | A New Era for Alberta Family Law

4 min read
Navigating the 2026 family focused protocol a new era for alberta family law

The Alberta Court of King’s Bench is fundamentally changing how families navigate the legal system with the implementation of the Family-Focused Protocol (FFP), which came into effect on January 2, 2026. This initiative marks a transition from high-conflict litigation toward a streamlined, resolution-based model that prioritizes the well-being of children and the efficient use of judicial resources. 

Shifting Toward Resolution-Oriented Litigation

For years, the adversarial nature of family law had often exacerbated the stress on families. The FFP is designed to mitigate this by ensuring that parties are court-ready before they ever see a Justice. By front-loading the requirements for disclosure and mediation, the court aims to foster an environment in which settlements are reached sooner, and families experience less psychological toll. 

Mandatory Prerequisites for the Regular Family Process

Under the new protocol, most family law matters will be placed in the Regular Family Process. However, before a party can file for a Mandatory Intake Triage (MIT) conference, which allows them to do so, they must satisfy several key requirements: 

  • Parenting After Separation (PAS): If children under 18 are involved, the parties must provide a certificate of completion of the PAS course obtained within the last two years. 
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Parties must have participated in an ADR process, such as mediation or a collaborative law meeting, within six months prior to their application. 
  • Financial Disclosure: Full financial disclosure must be served if the matter involves support or the division of family property. 
  • Family Court Counsellor (FCC) Meeting: For self-represented litigants in regions where the service is unavailable, an FCC meeting is now mandatory.

The 10-Step Family-Focused Protocol Process

The FFP organizes the legal journey into a predictable 10-step process. Central to this is the MIT Conference. This one-hour session with a Family Roster Justice serves as the gateway to the court, where interim relief can be granted and timelines are established to keep the case moving forward. 

One of the most significant changes is the Continuity of Justice. To provide stability and deep context for each file, the same Case Conference Justice will typically oversee the matter from the MIT stage through to resolution. While a different Justice may step in for the settlement conference to provide a fresh perspective, the lead justice ensures the litigation doesn’t stall. 

Modern Filing via Justice Digital

In alignment with these procedural updates, all filings—including MIT packages and proof of mandatory requirements—must now be processed through the Justice Digital platform. This digital-first approach ensures that all necessary documentation is organized and accessible to the court, preventing the delays often caused by incomplete paper filings. 

How Colborne Allyjan Law Can Help

As Alberta undergoes family law updates, having a legal team that stays ahead is important. Our team is prepared to help you navigate these new mandatory steps, ensure your Justice Digital filings are compliant, and represent your best interests through the MIT and settlement conference phases. 

Are you navigating a family law matter? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure your case is handled with professionalism and experience.