Dispute Resolution Officer Program

Overview

The Dispute Resolution Officer (DRO) Program is mandatory for all applications for child support in the Calgary Court of Queen’s Bench. If both parties agree, DRO meetings are also available on a voluntary basis for applications for child support made in the Provincial Court.

You’ll meet with an officer for a one hour appointment.  The officer is a family lawyer who will calculate child support amounts and help you to resolve your child support dispute.

If you and the other party reach an agreement, a Consent Order can be typed up for you to sign and then be reviewed by a judge, without you having to go to court.

How to book an appointment

Step 1. Gather your documents

If you haven’t already included these in your court documents, bring your:

• complete tax returns from the past 3 years
• Notice of Assessment tax status forms from the past 3 years
• last 3 pay stubs or other proof of income for this tax year
  • if you are self-employed or a business owner, bring the last 3 financial statements of that business
• a copy of the most recent child support order
• a list of what you spend on special expenses, including receipts if possible
• any other important documents that might affect the amount of child support

Make sure the other party knows about the meeting and that they have to provide financial documents.

If you have a lawyer, you may ask them to attend with you.

Step 2. Schedule an appointment

You can schedule a DRO appointment by contacting the Calgary Courts Centre.

Appointments are available in the morning or afternoon. On your appointment day, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.

Contact

For more information or to book an appointment, contact the Calgary Courts Centre.

8:15 am – 4:00 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)

403-297-6981

Suite 706-S, Calgary Courts Centre
601 5th Street SW
Calgary, Alberta  T2P 5P7