If you live in the Greater Edmonton area, Calgary, Red Deer or Grande Prairie, and have a family law issue, you may need to follow the Family Justice Strategy, which is designed to help reach a resolution before attending court.
Overview
You can apply for spousal or partner support as long as you have care and control over a child, even if you’re not their parent.
How to apply
Step 1. Gather your documents
The court will need your:
- complete tax returns from the past 3 years
- Notice of Assessment – a tax status form – from the past 3 years
- pay stubs or other proof of income for this tax year
- list of your monthly expenses, including receipts if possible
- list of all your assets and debts
Step 2. Fill out the forms
Fillable PDF forms may not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. See the step-by-step guide or contact PDF form technical support.
Never married, divorce not started or common law
If the other party lives in Alberta, fill out these forms:
If the other party lives outside Alberta, check to see if they live in a reciprocating jurisdiction:
- if they do, complete an Interjurisdictional Support Order application
- If they don’t:
- file your claim with the court in the country where the other party lives
- contact a lawyer in that country
Divorce in progress in Alberta
Fill out this form:
Step 3. File your claim
Do this at the same court, in the same location, where you’ve either:
- already been to court with the other party
- started any court action that hasn’t gone to court
If you haven’t done either of these things, file your claim at any court in Alberta.
Note: If you don’t come to court, the judge may make an order in your absence.