COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
- Public health restrictions: Alberta entered Step 2 on March 1.
- Book your vaccine: Albertans 5+ can get it now. Get third dose when eligible.
COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
Bill 28 updates property division laws to include unmarried partners and improve child support for adult children with disabilities.
Status: Bill 28 received Royal Assent Dec. 11, 2018
Ministry responsible: Justice and Solicitor General
Bill 28, the Family Statutes Amendment Act, 2018 has been passed to:
The amendments to the Matrimonial Property Act extend its rules to include adult interdependent partners. This will make it easier for unmarried partners to divide their property if their relationship breaks down. The following changes will come into force on January 1, 2020:
Existing property division agreements that were enforceable under the law when they were signed will still be enforceable.
“Adult interdependent partners” is defined in Alberta’s Adult Interdependent Relationships Act as two people who live together in a relationship of interdependence:
A relationship of interdependence is when two people are not married to one another but still:
Alberta's Family Law Act governs child support for the children of unmarried parents and married parents in non-divorce situations. The federal Divorce Act governs child support for the children of married parents who are divorcing.
The amendments make it clear in Alberta's legislation that the same rules apply to all families when they make an application for child support for adult children who are 18 years old or older.
The new legislation has clarified the child support eligibility criteria in the Family Law Act by:
These changes make it clear in the legislation when an application for adult child support can be made. If an agreement cannot be reached, the court will determine the amount of child support, if any, that should be awarded in a particular case.
The Married Women’s Act came into force in 1922. While this legislation gave women more freedom to handle money, property and legal responsibilities without their husbands, it stopped short of recognizing that married women have their own legal personalities and capacities distinct from their husbands.
The Family Law Act now recognizes that married women have a legal personality that is independent from that of their spouse. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees equality rights. The Married Women's Act is no longer needed and has been repealed.
Now that Bill 28, the Family Statutes Amendment Act, 2018 has received royal assent:
Was this page helpful?
You will not receive a reply. Do not enter any personal information such as telephone numbers, addresses, or emails.
Your submissions are monitored by our web team and are used to help improve the experience on Alberta.ca. If you require a response, please go to our Contact page.