What Legal Aid Alberta Covers in Family Law Cases

Separation and parenting disputes are stressful, and hiring a lawyer is out of reach for many families. Legal Aid Alberta is one of the main options for people with limited income.

This article explains what Legal Aid Alberta is, how to start, how a legal aid certificate affects court filing, and what else is available if you do not qualify.

This article covers the law of Alberta.

What Legal Aid Alberta does

Legal Aid Alberta gives legal advice and representation to eligible people. It is listed among the free or low-cost supports for self-represented litigants, with an information line at 1.866.845.3425.

Family matters in the Court of King's Bench can include divorce, property division, child and spousal support and parenting. Whether Legal Aid Alberta can help with a particular one of these, and for how many hours of work, depends on its current rules and your circumstances.

Who qualifies and what is covered

Legal Aid Alberta provides legal advice and representation to eligible people, so the first question is whether you are eligible. The exact income cut-offs, the types of family problems covered and any limits on hours can change, so confirm them directly with Legal Aid Alberta before you count on help.

If you are worried about safety, mention it when you call. Urgent matters may follow a separate urgent process in court, so tell whoever you speak with that time is short.

How to start and what a certificate means in court

• Call the Legal Aid Alberta information line at 1.866.845.3425 to ask about help with your family matter.
• Gather your court documents and any orders or agreements, so you can answer questions quickly. If you also plan to apply for a court fee waiver, proof of income is part of that application.
• Write down key dates, such as hearings or deadlines.

A legal aid certificate can also affect filing. Since January 13, 2026, lawyers with a Law Society of Alberta Bar ID can file through the King's Bench Family & Divorce Filing Digital Service when a fee exemption applies, for example where a client holds a Legal Aid certificate. Proof of fee-exempt status is required at filing.

If you do not qualify: other low-cost help

A person who cannot afford court filing fees may apply for a fee waiver by completing the Application for Fee Waiver and Statement of Finances form and submitting it at the court where they plan to file. A divorce claim in King's Bench costs $310, a Family Law Act claim $100, and an application in an action $100.

The fee waiver household income thresholds are gross monthly and annual amounts, based on household size:

A fee waiver covers court filing fees only. You may still owe other costs such as search requests or photocopying. You cannot get one if you are representing a business or an estate. For household size, family includes relatives by blood or marriage, common-law or interdependent adult partners, and children by blood or adoption if you have at least 50% custody.

Family court counsellors help people without a lawyer prepare for court, explore options and get referrals. The Court and Justice Services Contact Centre, at 1.855.738.4747, offers programs at no cost or nominal charge and help with court forms and filing.

What to do next

• Call Legal Aid Alberta at 1.866.845.3425 and ask about eligibility and coverage for your issue.
• If you apply for a fee waiver, bring your latest tax return or notice of assessment, or income proof for the last 3 months, plus your partner's proof of income.
• If you are unemployed, bring proof of your income source and amount, such as an Employment Insurance or Social Allowance statement.
• Ask a family court counsellor or the Contact Centre which forms you need.
• If you are refused legal aid, family court counsellors and the Contact Centre can still help people without a lawyer prepare for court and with court forms.

Frequently asked questions