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Respond to an Originating Application

How to respond to an Originating Application that you’ve been served with.

Before beginning any family law action in Edmonton, Calgary or Red Deer you must take the Parenting After Separation eCourse, complete a Financial Disclosure Statement, attend Alternative Dispute Resolution and meet with a family court counsellor.

Read more about mandatory requirements for Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer.

Overview

We recommend that you talk to a lawyer before taking any steps.

An Originating Application is made up of 2 forms:

  • Originating Application form, which explains what the applicant (ie, the person making the application) is asking for and provides your court date
  • Affidavit form, which describes the evidence the applicant has given to the court

Determine your response

If you agree with what the applicant is asking for

You don’t have to fill out any forms. However, we recommend that you still go to court.

If you don’t agree with what the applicant is asking for

File an Affidavit in Response.

How to file an Affidavit in Response

Unless the applicant or their lawyer agrees to give you extra time, you must file the affidavit before your court date.

Step 1. Fill out the form

Fill out the Affidavit in Response form.

Have your affidavit sworn by a commissioner for oaths.

Step 2. Copy your documents

Make 2 copies of the affidavit and all your evidence.

Step 3. File your forms

File the forms at the Court of King's Bench.

The clerk keeps the original and stamps your copies.

Step 4. Serve your affidavit

The applicant must receive one copy of the affidavit before your court date. The affidavit can be served to the applicant by bringing or sending the copy to the:

  • lawyer's address
  • applicant's address, if the applicant doesn’t have a lawyer

The person who serves the affidavit must fill out an Affidavit of Personal Service form.

Step 5. File the affidavit with the court

File the Affidavit of Personal Service with the court.

Step 6. Go to court

Attend the court hearing that’s listed in your Notice of Hearing on the designated day, at the appropriated time. Bring both copies of your forms and documents.

Related

Alberta Family Resolution Hub