Alberta Divorce Online Filing and Self-Help Resources

Alberta has been gradually expanding digital options for family law filings, but the process is not fully online yet. Here is what you can do digitally, what still requires in-person steps, and where to find free help along the way.

Digital Filing Options

Justice Digital (QB Filing Family). The Government of Alberta operates a digital filing portal for Court of King's Bench family law matters. Lawyers and some self-represented litigants can file certain documents electronically through this system. However, the portal has limitations — not all form types are supported, and some steps (like swearing affidavits before a Commissioner for Oaths) still require physical presence.

Email filing by judicial centre. Some King's Bench judicial centres accept document submissions by email, particularly for procedural filings and consent orders. The specific email addresses and accepted document types vary by registry (Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and others). Contact your local Registry to confirm what they accept electronically.

What still requires in person:

• Swearing affidavits (wet-ink signature before a Commissioner for Oaths)
• Filing the original Marriage Certificate as part of the desk divorce package
• Fee waiver applications (must be reviewed in person at the Registry)
• Having exhibits stamped and marked by a Commissioner

Free Self-Help Resources

Court and Justice Services (CJS) Coordinators

Every courthouse in Alberta has CJS coordinators who can help self-represented litigants free of charge. They can:

• Help you locate the correct court forms
• Explain the steps in the filing process
• Point you to relevant court checklists and instructions
• Direct you to other resources

They cannot provide legal advice, fill out forms for you, or tell you what to claim in your divorce. Their role is procedural guidance, not legal representation.

Family Court Counsellors (FCCs)

Under the 2026 Family Focused Protocol, self-represented parties with children under 18 must attend an intake meeting with a Family Court Counsellor before seeking non-urgent court orders. FCCs are trained professionals who:

• Assess your case and help identify resolution pathways
• Explain mandatory requirements (PAS course, ADR, financial disclosure)
• Provide procedural guidance specific to your situation
• May refer you to mediation, collaborative law, or other services

FCC availability varies by judicial centre. Larger centres (Edmonton, Calgary) typically have FCCs on-site. Smaller or remote judicial centres may offer phone or video consultations, or alternative triage options.

Free Legal Clinics

Calgary Legal Guidance (CLG). A non-profit offering free legal advice and "Do Your Own Divorce" evening clinics. Staffed by professional lawyers and volunteers. Eligibility is income-based, and wait times can be significant. Services are limited to the Calgary region.

Student Legal Services of Edmonton (SLS). A pro-bono clinic run by University of Alberta law students, supervised by practising lawyers. Hosts "Do Your Own Divorce" clinics for simple desk applications. Income eligibility thresholds apply. Closed during exam periods.

Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA). Publishes free, plain-language legal information booklets and online guides covering Alberta family law — separation, divorce, property division, and parenting. CPLEA does not provide individual legal advice, but their materials are widely regarded as the best free explainer of Alberta family law rules.

Official Court Resources

The Alberta Court of King's Bench website publishes:

• All fillable divorce forms (FL-01, FL-03, FL-08, FL-21 through FL-26)
• The Desk Divorce Package Clerk Review Checklist
• Instructional booklets for joint and sole divorce applications
• Information about the Family Focused Protocol and pre-court requirements
• Contact details for all 12 judicial centres

Putting It All Together

These resources give you the forms and basic procedural guidance, but none of them provide a sequential, step-by-step workflow. The Alberta Divorce Filing Process Guide fills that gap — organizing every form, deadline, and requirement into a single process you can follow from first filing to Certificate of Divorce.

See more Alberta guides →