Family Matters - Resources for Self Represented LItigants

Being a self represented litigant means that you do not have a lawyer and are choosing to represent yourself in a legal proceeding. LawCentraAlberta provides links to basic information resources that may be of assistance to you,  as well as those listed in the other Preparing for Court sections (see the menu on the left).

To get started and learn more about family law matters check out the following LawCentral topic pages and suggested resources listed below:

  • Adoption and Birth: Are you wondering about maternity or paternity leave? Have you just given birth? Are you considering adoption? On this page you will find information about these issues.
  • Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship - If, by some misfortune, you become incapable of managing your affairs, someone else must take on that responsibility. You can prepare for that possibility in advance by making legal documents (Personal Directive and Powers of Attorney) that assign someone to handle these decisions. If you have not made these documents, someone will have to be assigned by the court to manage your affairs. In Alberta, the Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act (AGTA) describes the process for doing this. In addition, if you are losing some decision-making ability, but are not completely incapable, this Act describes some other options for assistance with decisions. Learn more on this page.
     
  • Common Law Relationships (Adult Interdependent Relationships (AIR)) - Across Canada, "common law relationships" are dealt with differently in law. In Alberta, such an arrangement is called an Adult Interdependent Relationship. The materials on this page detail how the Adult Interdependent Relationship Act affects your situation.
     
  • Child Custody, Access and Parenting - If you want to be responsible for your child's care, select the resources on child custody. If you are wondering about visitation rights with your child, you are interested in access. If you want to know more about being granted parental authority over a child, resources on guardianship will be of interest to you.
  • Child and Spousal Support - Spousal support or maintenance may be awarded to a spouse in need. Familiarize yourself with how the laws apply to your specific situation. Find links and learn more about spousal and child support on this page.
     
  • Marriage and Divorce - Are you going through a major life change? The resources listed on this page will help you find information about marriage, separation, and divorce, including resources on dividing up family property and changing your name.