The New Alberta Family Justice Strategy

What Edmonton Families Should Know

Alberta’s new Family Justice Strategy is changing how families approach separation and divorce. Instead of defaulting to court battles, the strategy focuses on early resolution, mediation, and support programs that reduce cost, stress, and delay. For Edmonton families, it means faster access to help — and less conflict during an already difficult time.

What the Family Justice Strategy Is

The Alberta Family Justice Strategy is a province-wide initiative that shifts the focus away from litigation as the default option. It emphasizes early resolution through mediation, parenting education, and family dispute resolution. The goal is to help families solve problems sooner — without the costs and conflict that come with a full trial.

In practice, this strategy expands access to pre-court services. Families are encouraged — and sometimes required — to attempt alternative dispute resolution methods before going to trial. By doing so, the province aims to ease pressure on the courts while giving families practical tools tailored to their circumstances.

What Services Are More Available Now

Under the new framework, families in Edmonton and across Alberta now have broader access to:

• Family mediation services: Neutral professionals who help parents reach agreements on parenting, property, and support without going to court.
• Parenting programs and education: Resources that help parents understand the impact of separation on children and learn strategies for reducing conflict.
• Case management and triage: Systems that connect families to the right services early, preventing disputes from escalating into litigation.
• Online and digital tools: Virtual mediation sessions, electronic filing, and online resources that make the process more convenient.

How the Strategy Reduces Cost, Delay, and Stress

Traditional family law cases can take months or even years to resolve, often at great emotional and financial cost. The Family Justice Strategy helps families avoid that by promoting early resolution. Parents can save time and money while minimizing the strain on children.

Mediation and other forms of dispute resolution also give families more control. Instead of having a judge impose a decision, parents can design arrangements that meet their child’s specific needs. This often leads to more durable agreements and less conflict later on.

How Edmonton Families Can Use These Tools

If you’re separating or considering divorce, you don’t have to go straight to court. Mediation, parenting programs, and case management services are more accessible than ever under the Family Justice Strategy.

Families can start by contacting Family Justice Services in Edmonton to learn what programs are available. Mediation can help resolve issues such as parenting schedules or child support without judicial involvement. For more complex matters, early case management connects families to resources and helps set timelines suited to their situation.

By engaging these tools early, families can save time, reduce conflict, and protect children from the stress of prolonged disputes.

Useful Web Links for Family Justice Services in Edmonton

• Alberta Family Resolution Hub — an online tool that helps families explore options to resolve disputes about parenting, support, and more.
• Resolution Services – InformAlberta — includes Edmonton contact information, court form guidance, and separation/divorce support.

Looking Ahead

The Alberta Family Justice Strategy represents a cultural shift in how the province handles family law. It recognizes that separation and divorce aren’t purely legal problems — they’re personal and emotional experiences that require compassion and practical solutions. By improving access to services, the strategy aims to create a system that works better for everyone, especially children.

For Edmonton families, this means more support, more options, and fewer reasons to face lengthy court proceedings.