Topics

The Family Focused Protocol: An Overview

An introduction to the purpose, structure, and policy goals behind Alberta’s new FFP system, including how it changes the culture and management of family litigation.

Topics Covered:

• Why the FFP was introduced
• Key differences from the previous process
• Child-focused and resolution-driven litigation principles
• Jurisdiction of the Alberta Court of Justice and Court of King’s Bench

Commencing an Action and Entering the FFP

Learn the foundational procedural steps required before parties can access the Family-Focused Protocol.

Topics Covered:

• Starting a family law action properly
• Service requirements and Affidavits of Service
• Mandatory prerequisites for entering the FFP
• Parenting After Separation (PAS) requirements
• ADR requirements and timing considerations
• Financial disclosure obligations and common deficiencies

The Mandatory Intake (MIT) Package: Building a Successful Package

A detailed walkthrough of the MIT Package and practical guidance on avoiding rejection or delay.

Topics Covered:

• Required MIT forms and supporting documents
• Drafting effective FL-18 applications and affidavits
• Updating materials vs. reusing prior affidavits
• Service and filing procedures
• Common reasons packages are rejected or “snoozed”
• Practical tips for compliant financial disclosure

Navigating the MIT Conference

Understand what happens at the MIT Conference and how to effectively prepare clients and counsel for success.

Topics Covered:

•  Purpose and structure of the MIT Conference
• Judicial expectations and procedural management
•  Interim applications within the MIT process
•  Identifying and resolving disclosure disputes
•  Determining readiness for Settlement Conferences
•  How and why files stall under the new system

Desk Processes, Resolution Counsel, and ADR Pathways

Explore alternative procedural pathways available within the FFP and when they may be strategically advantageous.

Topics Covered:

•  The new Desk Process explained
•  Waivers, deferrals, and procedural requests 
• Consent orders and desk divorces
•  Resolution Counsel eligibility and process
•  Comparing private ADR with the FFP structure
•  Strategic considerations for settlement-focused files

Urgent Applications and Practical Lessons from Early Cases

Learn how urgent matters proceed under the FFP and review emerging practical lessons from lawyers already using the system.

Topics Covered:

• Urgent parenting and emergency applications
• Bypassing standard mandatory requirements
•  Drafting urgent request materials
• Judicial expectations for urgency claims
•  Early practitioner experiences and procedural trends
• Avoiding common mistakes and delays

Strategic Practice Considerations

A concluding discussion on adapting practice management and client strategy to the realities of the Family-Focused Protocol.

Topics Covered:

• Preparing clients for stricter procedural compliance
• Managing disclosure proactively
• Deciding when court is appropriate versus mediation
• Best practices for moving matters efficiently
• Audience questions and discussion

Program formats and dates are subject to change. Prices are subject to GST. Early bird pricing ends on September 8, 2026.

Registration is open until 4pm on the business day prior to the program date.

Program materials (where applicable) will be provided in an electronic format. LESA typically posts program materials 1-2 business days in advance of the program date.

This program is being recorded and will be available as an on-demand program subject to any issues with the recording. 

Nearby Hotels

Looking for nearby hotel accommodations in Edmonton? Click here for more info.

Group Discounts

This program provides firms or organizations the opportunity to purchase individual tickets for a group at a discounted rate or to purchase a firm broadcast ticket to watch the program as a group in one location. 

See the accordion tab below for more details on how to send multiple people to this program with a group discount. 

To purchase a firm broadcast, add the relevant “Firm Broadcast” ticket option to your cart. Facilitators who purchase a firm broadcast ticket can provide e-materials to participants in advance of the program, but participants will not receive individual access to the program and e-materials in their LESA Classroom accounts. Full details on how to be a facilitator for your firm or organization can be found here and will be emailed to you following your purchase.

Policies

For payment, cancellation, transfer, group discount, and firm broadcast policies, click here.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for this program. For full details and to purchase a sponsorship, click here.