Family and Relationships

Family law encompasses many different issues, including marriage, divorce, and custody. On this page you will find two resources that deal with a variety of family law issues. To narrow your search to a specific topic you can choose from the following list:


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.

These online FAQs are provided by Canadian Legal FAQs, a website of the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta. These FAQs deal with divorce and provide information regarding: Divorce Act; Grounds for Divorce; Children and Divorce; Custody; Access; Child Support; and Mobility Rights.

Related legal topic(s): Child support, Custody and access, Divorce and separation, Family law general resources, Spousal support

LawNow is a bi-monthly digital public legal education magazine which has been  published by the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta for almost 40 years.  Its articles  and columns are written in plain language and take a practical look at how the law relates to the every day lives of Canadians.In each issue, LawNow’s family law column takes a look at a specific topic in this area of law and explains it clearly and concisely.

Related legal topic(s): Child support, Common law relationships, Custody and access, Family law general resources, Marriage, Self-representation, Spousal support

Alberta Resources

The Adult Interdependent Relationships Act was passed during the fall 2002 sitting of the provincial Legislature and became law on June 1, 2003. This act amended several Alberta laws for people in unmarried relationships involving economic and emotional interdependency. These laws set out the financial and property benefits and responsibilities attached to these relationships. The act covers a range of personal relationships that fall outside of marriage, including committed platonic relationships where two people agree to share emotional and economic responsibilities. Includes a sample Adult Interdependent Partner Agreement (PDF - 4 pages, 2003)

Related legal topic(s): Common law relationships

This section of the Government of Alberta: Children and Families website offers services, supports and resources to protect children and youth from harmful situations. 

Related legal topic(s): Advocacy, Child abuse, Family law general resources, Family violence general resources, Victim support and victim rights

This service is offered by the Government of Alberta, Family Violence Prevention Unit. Trained staff can help get you to safety and give you information on supports and financial aid. 

If you think someone you know is experiencing family violence, reach out by calling or texting the Family Violence Info Line at 310-1818, toll-free 24/7, or using the confidential online chat. Phone services are available in more than 170 languages.

Related legal topic(s): Child abuse, Family violence general resources, Protective orders, Relationship violence, Victim support and victim rights

This section of the Government of Alberta: Family Violence website is dedicated to the prevention of family violence and bullying. The page provides activities and resources to help prevent family violence and domestic violence, and support healthy relationships.

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

On this webpage Service Alberta provides information on who is elgible, how to make a legal change of name, what are the costs involved, and what to do after you apply.

Related legal topic(s): Common law relationships, Divorce and separation, Marriage