Alberta’s Family-Focused Protocol: What You Need to Know About the New Court Process

Alberta’s family law system is undergoing a significant shift with the introduction of the Family-Focused Protocol (FFP).

Designed to streamline family litigation and prioritize efficient, child-focused outcomes, this new framework, implemented through the Alberta Court of Justice and the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta, changes how parties move their matters through the court system.

Here’s a practical overview of how the process works and what litigants (and their counsel) should expect.

Getting Into the Family-Focused Protocol

Before you can even enter the FFP, you must first commence an action. That means filing and serving your claim (and filing your Affidavit of Service). Only once you are properly in an action can you apply to move into the FFP stream.

From there, mandatory requirements become the biggest hurdle, and the most common reason applications are rejected:

• Parenting After Separation (PAS): Required where children are involved. Must be completed within strict timelines and before key steps like trial or desk divorce.
• Financial Disclosure: Full, current, and strictly compliant disclosure is mandatory in any matter involving support or property. Even minor deficiencies can result in rejection.
• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Must be completed within 6 months before submitting your application to enter the process.

If any of these requirements cannot be met, parties must seek a waiver or deferral through the Desk Process before submitting their materials.

The MIT Package: Your Gateway to the Process

Entry into the FFP hinges on submitting a complete Mandatory Intake (MIT) Package, which includes:

• Request for Mandatory Intake Conference
• Mandatory Intake Triage Summary
• Proof of completing PAS, financial disclosure, and ADR
• Any waivers or deferrals granted
• Filed commencement documents and Affidavits of Service
• A fresh Family Application (FL-18) and supporting Affidavit

Important: Previously filed affidavits cannot simply be reused—you must prepare updated materials tailored to the MIT process.

Once filed, the entire package must be served on the other party, followed by filing your Affidavit of Service. Only then does the clock begin.

What Happens Next?

• The responding party has 14 days to file their response MIT materials.
• After 15 days, a Case Management Officer (CMO) reviews the package(s).

If your materials are deficient, they may be “snoozed” for a short period (7–15 days) to fix issues, most commonly incomplete financial disclosure. Miss that window, and you start over.

If your package is approved, you’ll receive a link to schedule your Mandatory Intake Conference (MIT).

The MIT Conference

This is a key milestone. The MIT Conference is:

• Mandatory and typically in person
• Attended by both parties and their counsel
• Focused on both procedure and substance

At this stage, the Justice may:

• Address interim applications
• Identify outstanding issues (especially disclosure if different from the standard disclosure required that will have already submitted)
• Provide directions to move the case toward resolution
• Decide whether the matter is ready for a Settlement Conference. The Justice will not book this if they are not convinced the matter is ready. Also, it seems the Justices will not use this process if the parties demonstrate they are unwilling. The Justices are not interested in wasting Court time and resources.

Notably, there is no automatic progression, files can stall if parties are not fully prepared.

Desk Process & Other Pathways

The FFP introduces a structured Desk Process, where certain matters are decided without formal court appearances.

A Family Roster Justice may handle:

• Waiver/deferral requests
• Resolution Counsel (RC) requests
• Time-sensitive consent orders
• Procedural requests (e.g., extending deadlines)

Other matters, like desk divorces or standard consent orders, may be handled by any Justice.

Resolution Counsel & ADR Options

For qualifying parties (e.g., income under $90,000 and limited access to mediation), Resolution Counsel (RC) offers a virtual, court-supported negotiation process.

That said, many practitioners are finding that private ADR remains more flexible and efficient, especially compared to the rigid procedural requirements of the FFP.

Urgent Matters

Urgent issues—such as immediate parenting concerns—can bypass the standard process:

• No need to complete mandatory requirements in advance
• No need to have formally commenced an action
• Must submit an Urgent Request Form with draft materials

If accepted, the matter proceeds quickly to an urgent hearing. Afterward, parties are expected to return to the regular FFP stream.

Practical Insights from Early Experiences

Although still new, early experiences suggest:

• Strict compliance is critical—especially for financial disclosure
• Preparation matters—be ready to address both process and substance at MIT
• Files often stall over disclosure issues
• Judges are supportive of the system but expect parties to be organized and realistic

Final Thoughts

The Family-Focused Protocol represents a major cultural and procedural shift in Alberta family law. Its goal is clear: streamline litigation, reduce conflict, and move families toward resolution more efficiently.

However, success within this system depends heavily on early preparation, strict compliance, and strategic decision-making, including whether court is the best path forward at all.

If you have questions about how the FFP may affect your matter, or whether alternative approaches like mediation may better serve your goals, our team is here to help. Our lawyers are well versed in the new process and have already had success guiding several matters into the new system and through to Mandatory Intake (MIT) hearings.

Reach out to our team today.