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Courthouse Services

“There are basically four levels of court in Canada. First there are provincial/territorial courts, which handle the great majority of cases that come into the system. Second are the provincial/territorial superior courts. These courts deal with more serious crimes and also take appeals from provincial/territorial court judgments. On the same level, but responsible for different issues, is the Federal Court. At the next level are the provincial/territorial courts of appeal and the Federal Court of Appeal, while the highest level is occupied by the Supreme Court of Canada.” (From: Canada’s Court System – Department of Justice)

The courts across Canada provide a variety of services to support the general public in accessing the court system. To learn more about the court process, see the legal topic: Legal process

The following services are offered through the Alberta Courts. For other resources about going to court see the section Preparing for Court


CPLEA Suggested Resources

Not sure where to begin finding answers to your questions. Get started with our suggested resources. See additional resources below for more information.

Alberta Resources

This section of the Alberta Courts website provides information about court locations around the province, contact information and sittings.

Related legal topic(s): Courts and court judgments

This section of the Alberta Court of Justice website explains about using mediation to resolve a lawsuit. You may request mediation or the court may select your lawsuit for mediation once a Dispute Note has been filed. This program is free to the parties involved.

Related legal topic(s): Mediation and alternative dispute resolution

This main page of the Alberta Courts website outlines the three court divisions: Alberta's Court of Appeal, Court of King's Bench, and Provincial Court, as well as the Court Services division. Descriptions include links to the Locations and Sittings for each court.

Related legal topic(s): Courts and court judgments

Court and Justice Services (CJS) provides administrative support to all the courts within the province, including electronic legal information services through Alberta Law Libraries.

CJS offer: legal information services for the public on court procedures and legal services options; assistance with locating and filling out court forms; referrals to other community legal services, as well as dispute resolution services for child support, family and child medication, conflict intervention, family mediation, and civil mediation. 

Related legal topic(s): Civil actions, Legal process, Legal services, Mediation and alternative dispute resolution, Self-representation, Small claims court

This group of programs and services is offered by Alberta Justice in collaboration with the courts of Alberta. This webpage provides general information for those who are representing themselves in a family matter in either Court of King's Bench or The Provincial Court of Alberta.

This service is for people who don’t have a lawyer. Use it to:

  • prepare for court
  • navigate your family law matter through the Provincial Court
  • discuss your issues, explore your options and get you referrals
  • get a court order prepared and filed with the Court of King’s Bench and then have copies sent to the other party – after a parenting-related hearing
  • review your divorce before its submitted to the Court of King’s Bench
Related legal topic(s): Adoption, Custody and access, Divorce and separation, Family law general resources, Self-representation, Spousal support

Part of the Alberta Court Services is access to the Alberta Law Libraries. The primary mission of Alberta Law Libraries is to facilitate access to legal information for the Alberta community, including its judiciary, lawyers, citizens, libraries and government agencies. A section of their website is dedicated to helping Albertans Get pointed in the right direction as they begin their legal research. mbers of the Alberta Law Libraries (ALL) team have prepared research guides on legislation, case law and a variety of subject-specific areas. In these guides, you will find information, resources and links about several areas of law. Alberta Law Libraries (ALL) were formed in 2009 when Alberta Court Libraries and Alberta Law Society Libraries were amalgamated. ALL has served the legal community in Alberta since 1885 and use of our collections is free to all who visit our libraries.

Related legal topic(s): Law libraries, Self-representation

Part of the Alberta Court Services is access to the Alberta Law Libraries. The primary mission of Alberta Law Libraries is to facilitate access to legal information for the Alberta community, including its judiciary, lawyers, citizens, libraries and government agencies. A section of their website is dedicated to helping Albertans get pointed in the right direction as they begin their legal research. members of the Alberta Law Libraries (ALL) team have prepared research guides on legislation, case law and a variety of subject-specific areas. In these guides, you will find information, resources and links about several areas of law. This page includes links to  legal agreements, court pleadings, court forms, and many other types of documents.

Related legal topic(s): Law libraries, Self-representation

The goal of the Court Assistance Program (King's Bench Amicus Program) is to improve access to justice for self-represented litigants appearing in King' Bench Justice and Masters Chambers. This program brings volunteer lawyers into Chambers, where they act as 'amicus curiae' and help the court understand the issues related and the positions taken by unrepresented litigants. The  program offers opportunity for courtroom advocacy in a positive environment, which can give great skills-building experience for lawyers and students, and the program is beneficial for overall professional development, mentoring, networking, building collegiality, and enhancing the public image of the legal profession.  This service is available in Calgary and Edmonton. Check with the courthouse for dates and times.

Related legal topic(s): Legal services, Self-representation

Search for actions in Civil, Family, Divorce, Bankruptcy, Apeals, Surroget - Estate and Surrogate - Represented Adult. Use this online form to request a search of civil actions in Alberta Court of King's Bench, or to request a search of a specific action either by party name or by court action/ file number.

Related legal topic(s): Bankruptcy and foreclosure, Civil actions, Courts and court judgments, Legal research

Duty Counsel are lawyers who assist people without a lawyer and can offer limited advice. Duty Counsel services are provided free of charge.

Related legal topic(s): Legal process, Legal services, Self-representation

Probono Law Alberta provides help for individuals through their Court Based Programs.PBLA engages volunteer lawyers in programs operating out of the Calgary Court Centre and Edmonton Law Courts. Visit their website for locations and times.

Related legal topic(s): Legal services, Self-representation

Elizabeth Fry Society of Calgary offers pathways to healing for women, youth and Indigenous peoples who are affected by systemic social issues which contribute to their criminalization.    Services include: Soksipaitapiisin Case Management Table supporting healing plans of those whose charges are heard within Calgary's Indigenous Court; Restorative Justice and Integration case management supports; Dana's House Transitional Housing for criminalized and homeless Indigenous women; Youth Mentorship Program for at risk youth, Indigenous Cultural Supports; Volunteer Court Programs - serving Calgary, Lethbridge and some southern regional areas; and Legal Advocacy services including supporting record suspension applications and legal information.
Related legal topic(s): Aboriginal law, Advocacy, Courts and court judgments, Legal services

The mission of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Edmonton is to foster the dignity and worth of women who come into conflict with the law, and help them live as valued members of their communities. They are a not-for-profit organization that has existed in Edmonton since 1977. The society offers a variety of programs for women and girls including a legal clinic. The Legal Clinic Program assists federally sentenced women at Edmonton Institute for Women by addressing their legal needs. The society has court workers who provide information to both men and women on court procedure and plea options.  They also provide referrals to duty counsel and other community resources. The Elizabeth Fry Society helps women with the process of applying for a record suspension.

Related legal topic(s): Criminal records and record suspensions, Legal services, Reintegration, Restorative justice

Family Court Counsellors provide services, at no cost, to families who are involved in parenting disputes and are living separate and apart. The service is designed for people who are not represented by a lawyer. Services may include: Information on options and services for resolving family issues; Referrals to services and programs including mediation; Information on the effects of separation and divorce on children; Help to negotiate agreements; Assistance with court applications, arranging court dates and presenting the case in Provincial Court.

Related legal topic(s): Family law general resources, Legal services, Self-representation

Family Mediation Services offers free information and assistance with: bringing applications in Provincial (Family) Court concerning custody, access and private guardianship of children; mediation services to assist families in resolving parenting issues, e.g. custody, access, private guardianship and child support; courses to improve parenting skills and communication between parents who are living apart; and other court-directed services intended to aid in resolving parenting disputes.

Related legal topic(s): Charter of Rights, Child support, Custody and access, Guardianship and trusteeship, Mediation and alternative dispute resolution

HomeFront is a non-profit organization that collaborates with the justice system, police and community partners to reduce domestic violence in Calgary and the surrounding area. The Domestic Violence Intervention & Resource Team (DVIRT) provide victims support through the court process. Their services are provided free of charge. You must be referred to them by the Calgary Police Services.

Related legal topic(s): Family violence general resources, Spousal abuse

This project assists self-represented litigants with their civil claims in Calgary's King's Bench Masters and Justice Chambers. The project includes a "storefront" afternoon shift where self-represented litigants and get summary legal information regarding civil matters in the follow areas of law: civil, bankruptcy, real estate, and court procedure. Hours of operation are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning and afternoon.

Related legal topic(s): Legal services, Self-representation

Legal Aid's Duty Counsel Program provides summary legal advice and assistance to unrepresented persons for preliminary appearances before the courts and selected tribunals is offered at no cost to the person.  Duty Counsel generally plays two key service roles:  the formal role as amicus (friend of the court) where Counsel offers assistance to the client in sorting through what should be ready and properly prepared  before  court for presentation to the judge, and the less formal role as advisor helping the client to understand what is taking place in and out of court.

Related legal topic(s): Legal services

Native Counselling works to ensure that Native people receive fair and equitable treatment in the justice system. NCSA delivers its programs and services province wide.. Its programs and services are designed and delivered for Aboriginal people, by Aboriginal people.

Related legal topic(s): Legal services, Restorative justice

How to order a Provincial Court or Court of King's Bench courtroom transcript.

Related legal topic(s): Legal process, Self-representation

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