The Family Focused Protocol Explained in Plain Language

First identify the right route

FFP applies to family and divorce proceedings in Alberta’s Court of King’s Bench. It includes regular, desk and urgent streams. The route below is an orientation to the regular process, not a Court of Justice guide or a procedure for every application.

The Court’s included-and-excluded matters list, current notice and directions in your case matter. An urgent concern or a request that belongs in a desk process should not simply be placed at the end of this sequence.

Further detail: Court of King’s Bench: Family Focused Protocol · Court of King’s Bench: Included and Excluded Matters, June 2026

The regular process, in plain language

Read this as a route through the work, not a filing checklist. The June 2026 manual and revised August 10, 2026 notice provide the forms, service rules and detailed requirements.

1. Meet the applicable requirements

   Complete the required preparation, or obtain any necessary waiver or deferral.

2. Start the court action

   File and serve the appropriate commencement document and record service.

3. Prepare the MIT package

   Assemble the MIT request and summary, commencement records, requirements evidence and any relief request with supporting material. File, serve and record service.

4. The package is reviewed

   A Case Management Officer checks compliance. Address any rejection or correction request.

5. Book the conference

   After certification, use the booking instructions. Approval of the package is not a booked hearing.

6. Attend MIT

   The justice addresses the requested relief and directions for progressing the case.

7. Carry out the directions

   Read the report and orders. Complete required preparation for the settlement conference.

8. Resolve or prepare remaining issues

   If issues remain after the settlement stage, follow litigation-planning and trial directions.

Further detail: Court of King’s Bench: FFP Manual, June 2026 · Court of King’s Bench: FFP Notice, revised August 10, 2026

Mandatory requirements depend on your circumstances

The requirements include Parenting After Separation where applicable, alternative dispute resolution, relevant financial disclosure and a Family Court Counsellor meeting for self-represented parties where available. Applicability and proof depend on the issues and circumstances. Waivers or deferrals require the proper process; an unfinished requirement is not automatically excused.

The Family Justice Strategy provides pre-court services and requirements; FFP is the King’s Bench process. They are connected but are not the same programme. Check local service availability and the Court’s current requirements.

Further detail: Government of Alberta: Family Justice Strategy · Court of King’s Bench: FFP Notice, revised August 10, 2026

Keep a stage note, not just a hearing date

Record the current stage, the next required action and who will take it. Record any date that may matter, note its source and flag anything that needs confirmation. Keep the notice or direction with the entry.

For example, a request to correct a package is a task in its own right. Do not record “waiting for court” if there is an unanswered correction request. Likewise, a booking confirmation is different from an intention to book.

Prepare for the next decision

Make a short list of what is agreed, what is disputed, what documents are missing and what outcome you are seeking. Identify any practical barriers to attendance or completing a requirement early.

If you are unrepresented, the official Family Resolution Hub can help identify relevant services and process information. Registry staff can explain administrative steps; advice about the position you should take requires legal advice.