Does Legal Aid Alberta cover family law cases like divorce, custody and child support?
This answer covers the law of Alberta.
Legal Aid Alberta provides legal advice and representation to eligible people, but whether it covers your family matter depends on its eligibility rules and your situation. Which family matters it accepts, and the current income limit, are worth confirming directly with Legal Aid Alberta. Its information line is 1.866.845.3425.
If you hold a Legal Aid certificate, your lawyer can file family and divorce documents through the King's Bench digital filing service without paying court filing fees. If you are turned down, other supports exist. Family court counsellors help people without a lawyer prepare for court, explore options and get referrals. A court fee waiver may cover filing fees if your gross household income is under set limits, for example $43,807 a year for two people. It covers filing fees only, so you may still owe other costs.
The Court and Justice Services Contact Centre, 1.855.738.4747, offers help with court forms and filing. Whatever the outcome, gather your income documents and any court papers before you call. A lawyer can confirm which route fits your situation.
Key takeaways
- Legal Aid Alberta provides legal advice and representation to eligible people, so coverage depends on whether you qualify.
- Confirm which family matters are covered and the current income limit with Legal Aid Alberta on its information line, 1.866.845.3425.
- If you are turned down, family court counsellors, a court fee waiver and the Contact Centre may still help.
- A fee waiver covers court filing fees only, so other costs such as photocopying may still be owed.