Divorce Proceedings During COVID-19 in Alberta

Divorce Proceedings During COVID-19 in Alberta

While courts are technically closed during the global COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta and provinces across the country – the courts are still processing emergency related court orders on a case by case basis. For example, in Ontario – a judge ordered that a mother who was immune compromised in Ottawa be given exclusive use of the matrimonial home due to her spouse’s relaxed approach to social distancing. Additionally, the courts are also granting emergency custody orders in an effort to protect the health and wellbeing of children who may be unnecessarily exposed to COVID.

Emergency Orders in Alberta on Family Law Matters

In our previous blog post titled Emergency Court Orders in the Province of Alberta during COVID-19 we mentioned that the courts were still presiding over emergency matters in a variety of areas. With respect to family law matters, the courts will hear certain emergency family law matters including those:

  • With respect to Orders where there is a significant risk of violence or harm to one of the parties or a child;
  • With respect to Orders where there is a removal and a child may be removed from their jurisdiction; or
  • Emergency protection order reviews

Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mediation Services

The courts are pushing for Alberta divorce lawyers to find alternative methods of resolution such as alternative dispute resolution or mediation to not inundate the courts once they are open again. At Verhaeghe Law Office we are equipped to provide our clients with mediation services and alternative dispute resolution services during this time. Contact our law office for more information on how we can assist with your divorce proceedings. These types of services allow you to settle your divorce outside of the courts - making it more cost-effective and allows for your divorce to be settled in a timely manner instead of waiting for the courts to re-open again. Something to consider if you are awaiting on court dates.

Filing Deadlines

As of today - filing deadlines and processes remain unaffected currently. When or if this changes, the Alberta courts will inform the public. There is a possibility that the Courts may revert to online or fax filing to reduce the number of people attending the Courthouse. However there has been no formal declaration on this topic as of today's date.

Contact our Alberta divorce lawyers today

At Verhaeghe Law Office - our Alberta based divorce lawyers are equipped to help clients across Alberta with their divorce proceedings thanks to the use of technologies like Skype and Zoom meetings. With 3 offices located in Edmonton, Athabasca and Whitecourt - we are ready to serve you with your divorce needs even during COVID-19. Call 587-410-2500 today to book a consultation with one of our divorce lawyers or by filling out our website online contact form or a live chat inquiry.

A member of our team will reach out to you within 24 hours for your consultation.

Disclaimer: Please note the advice contained in this article does not constitute legal advice and is only intended to act as a general overview divorce law matters. For custom legal advice as it pertains to your unique situation - please retain a divorce lawyer for your specific divorce law needs.