1. Alberta Family Courts
Court of King's Bench
- All divorce matters
- Property division
- Custody and access
- Child and spousal support
- Located at Edmonton Law Courts
Provincial Court
- Cannot grant divorces
- Child support (Family Law Act)
- Guardianship and parenting
- Emergency protection orders
- Often faster for urgent matters
2. The Court Process
- Filing application or statement of claim
- Serving documents on the other party
- Exchange of financial disclosure
- Case conference (mandatory)
- Settlement attempts (mediation, negotiation)
- Pre-trial conference
- Trial (if not resolved)
3. Types of Hearings
Common Hearing Types
- Case Conference: Initial meeting with judge to discuss issues and timelines
- Chambers Application: Interim applications (temporary orders)
- Special Chambers: Urgent matters requiring quick resolution
- Pre-Trial Conference: Settlement-focused discussion before trial
- Trial: Full hearing with evidence and witnesses
4. Preparing for Court
- Review all filed documents thoroughly
- Organize evidence chronologically
- Prepare a brief outline of key points
- Dress professionally (business attire)
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early
- Bring copies of all documents
5. In the Courtroom
Courtroom Etiquette
- Stand when the judge enters and leaves
- Address the judge as "Your Honour" or "My Lord/Lady"
- Speak clearly and respectfully
- Don't interrupt—wait your turn
- Turn off your phone completely
6. Frequently Asked Questions
The Court of King's Bench handles all divorce matters in Alberta. Provincial Court can handle some family matters for unmarried couples but cannot grant divorces. Most custody, support, and property matters for married couples go to King's Bench.
Dress professionally and conservatively—business casual at minimum. Avoid jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and revealing clothing. You're making an impression on the judge, and respectful attire shows you take the proceedings seriously.
It's generally not recommended to bring children to family court. Hearings can be stressful, and children shouldn't witness their parents' disputes. Courts view this negatively. Arrange childcare whenever possible.