Find Help

This section of the Alberta Courts website provides information about court locations around the province, contact information and sittings.

This section of the Alberta Court of Justice website explains about using mediation to resolve a lawsuit. You may request mediation or the court may select your lawsuit for mediation once a Dispute Note has been filed. This program is free to the parties involved.

Court and Justice Services (CJS) provides administrative support to all the courts within the province, including electronic legal information services through Alberta Law Libraries.

CJS offer: legal information services for the public on court procedures and legal services options; assistance with locating and filling out court forms; referrals to other community legal services, as well as dispute resolution services for child support, family and child medication, conflict intervention, family mediation, and civil mediation. 

This main page of the Alberta Courts website outlines the three court divisions: Alberta’s Court of Appeal, Court of Queen’s Bench, and Provincial Court, as well as the Court Services division. Descriptions include links to the Locations and Sittings for each court.

Family Justice Services are a group of programs and services offered by Alberta Justice in collaboration with the courts of Alberta. This webpage provides general information for those who are representing themselves in a family matter in either Court of Queen’s Bench or The Provincial Court of Alberta. Family Law includes all of the legal issues that arise when couples separate or when parties are parenting children together. Family Law does not include criminal charges against a family member, or issues that arise when a family member dies. This site provides general information only.

Part of the Alberta Court Services is access to the Alberta Law Libraries. The primary mission of Alberta Law Libraries is to facilitate access to legal information for the Alberta community, including its judiciary, lawyers, citizens, libraries and government agencies. Alberta Law Libraries (ALL) were formed in 2009 when Alberta Court Libraries and Alberta Law Society Libraries were amalgamated. ALL has served the legal community in Alberta since 1885 and use of our collections is free to all who visit our libraries.

Part of the Alberta Court Services is access to the Alberta Law Libraries. The primary mission of Alberta Law Libraries is to facilitate access to legal information for the Alberta community, including its judiciary, lawyers, citizens, libraries and government agencies. Alberta Law Libraries (ALL) were formed in 2009 when Alberta Court Libraries and Alberta Law Society Libraries were amalgamated. ALL has served the legal community in Alberta since 1885 and use of our collections is free to all who visit our libraries.

This website is provided as a free service to Albertans seeking limited scope legal services. Check out their Guide for Clients which is intended to help clients understand the legal service options available, and whether limited legal services are right for you. The site also provides a listing of Alberta lawyers participating in the service.

This page from the Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs is a directory of links to federal and provincial court sites, provincial and territorial law, constitutional texts, federal and provincial case law, and related statutory resources.

This is a service provided by the Alberta Office of the Child and Youth Advocate.

The LRCY provides lawyers for children and youth in child intervention matters. Anyone can make a request for a lawyer for a young person. A court order is not needed. Call the LRCY office at 1.800.661.3446

The Collaborative Family Law Process is about cooperation, not confrontation where clients sign a contract agreeing not to go to court. It is mediation and problem solving with collaborative lawyers where clients try to understand each other. Each client is responsible for information gathering and solutions. This website features general information about collaborative law (definitions, process, resources) and a list of collaborative law professionals in Alberta.

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is the federal government agency responsible for administering sentences of a term of two years or more, as imposed by the courts. CSC is responsible for managing institutions of various security levels and supervising offenders under conditional release in the community. CSC is also committed to ensuring that victims of crime have an effective voice in the federal corrections and criminal justice system.

The goal of the Court Assistance Program (King’s Bench Amicus Program) is to improve access to justice for self-represented litigants appearing in King’ Bench Justice and Masters Chambers. This program brings volunteer lawyers into Chambers, where they act as ‘amicus curiae’ and help the court understand the issues related and the positions taken by unrepresented litigants. The  program offers opportunity for courtroom advocacy in a positive environment, which can give great skills-building experience for lawyers and students, and the program is beneficial for overall professional development, mentoring, networking, building collegiality, and enhancing the public image of the legal profession.  This service is available in Calgary and Edmonton. Check with the courthouse for dates and times.

Search for actions in Civil, Family, Divorce, Bankruptcy, Apeals, Surroget – Estate and Surrogate – Represented Adult. Use this online form to request a search of civil actions in Alberta Court of King’s Bench, or to request a search of a specific action either by party name or by court action/ file number.

Chart describing criminal justice process for youth.

This information is provided by the Alberta Justice and Solicitor General. Has general information on the Crown Prosecutor’s office, a link to a publication on what you need to know if you have been charged with a crime, and answers to common questions such as “Do Crown prosecutors “plea bargain?” and more.

The  role of this government department is to promote a greater understanding of DPR and, in collaboration with departmental legal services, to assist in the integration of DPR into the policies, operations and practices of departments and agencies of the Government of Canada.

Duty Counsel are lawyers who assist people without a lawyer and can offer limited advice. Duty Counsel services are provided free of charge.

Probono Law Alberta provides help for individuals through their Court Based Programs.PBLA engages volunteer lawyers in programs operating out of the Calgary Court Centre and Edmonton Law Courts. Visit their website for locations and times.

Ecojustice is a national independent charitable organization which provides legal services free-of-charge to charities and citizens on the front lines of the environmental movement, helping ensure equitable access to environmental justice nationwide. We advocate for effective laws, use the courts to make sure they are implemented and enforced, and give a voice to Canadians in decisions that affect the air, water and land we all depend on.

Edmonton John Howard Society is a not-for-profit, community-based crime prevention agency. They provide assistance to people in conflict with the law, their families, those who have the potential to be in conflict with the law, and victims of crime. Their work to eradicate the root causes of crime helps build safety and harmony in communities. The Edmonton John Howard Society works to promote a better understanding of the Criminal Justice System and the consequences of breaking the law.

The mission of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Edmonton is to foster the dignity and worth of women who come into conflict with the law, and help them live as valued members of their communities. They are a not-for-profit organization that has existed in Edmonton since 1977. The society offers a variety of programs for women and girls including a legal clinic. The Legal Clinic Program assists federally sentenced women at Edmonton Institute for Women by addressing their legal needs.

The mission of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Edmonton is to foster the dignity and worth of women who come into conflict with the law, and help them live as valued members of their communities. They are a not-for-profit organization that has existed in Edmonton since 1977. The society offers a variety of programs for women and girls including a legal clinic. The Legal Clinic Program assists federally sentenced women at Edmonton Institute for Women by addressing their legal needs.

Family Court Counsellors provide services, at no cost, to families who are involved in parenting disputes and are living separate and apart. The service is designed for people who are not represented by a lawyer. Services may include: Information on options and services for resolving family issues; Referrals to services and programs including mediation; Information on the effects of separation and divorce on children; Help to negotiate agreements; Assistance with court applications, arranging court dates and presenting the case in Provincial Court.

Family Mediation Services offers free information and assistance with: bringing applications in Provincial (Family) Court concerning custody, access and private guardianship of children; mediation services to assist families in resolving parenting issues, e.g. custody, access, private guardianship and child support; courses to improve parenting skills and communication between parents who are living apart; and other court-directed services intended to aid in resolving parenting disputes.

The Federal Court is Canada’s national trial court which hears and decides legal disputes arising in the federal domain, including claims against the Government of Canada, civil suits in federally-regulated areas and challenges to the decisions of federal tribunals. Its authority derives primarily from the Federal Courts Act.

The Federation of Law Societies of Canada (FLSC) is the national coordinating body of the Canada’s 14 law societies mandated to regulate Canada’s 95,000 lawyers and Quebec’s 3,500 notaries.  Each law society governs the legal profession within their respective province or territory and, as such, is reponsible for dealing with complaints from the public about the profession. The Federation is the voice of Canada’s law societies on a wide range of issues critical to the protection of the public and the rule of law, including solicitor-client privilege, the importance of an independent and impartial judiciary, and the role of the legal profession in the administration of justice.

Grande Prairie Legal Guidance (GPLG) is a non-profit joint initiative between Edmonton Community Legal Centre. They offer services over the phone (780.882.0036) or in-person at their offices.

Correctional Service Canada (CSC) has introduced a new concept in federal corrections for Aboriginal offenders. “Healing lodges” offer services and programs that reflect Aboriginal culture in a space that incorporates Aboriginal peoples’ tradition and beliefs. In the healing lodge, the needs of Aboriginal offenders serving federal sentences are addressed through Aboriginal teachings and ceremonies, contact with Elders and children, and interaction with nature.

This section of the website of Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security provides information on victim impact statements, financial benefits program, restitution for victims of crime and answers to common questions as well as links to related agencies. The Victims of Crime Act establishes: The authority to collect a surcharge on provincial statute offences; Defined principles regarding the treatment of victims; Financial benefits for victims; and a grants program with respect to programs that benefit victims of crime.

HomeFront is a non-profit organization that collaborates with the justice system, police and community partners to reduce domestic violence in Calgary and the surrounding area. Clients are referred through the Calgary Police Service and are supported with case management, court support and connection to appropriate resources.

The Indigenous Bar Association (IBA) is a non-profit professional organization for Indian, Inuit and Métis persons trained in the field of law. Its membership consists of Indigenous lawyers (practicing and non-practicing), judges, law professors, legal consultants and law students. As the field of Indigenous law develops, the public is becoming more aware and interested in Indigenous legal issues. The IBA plays an active role in promoting the development of Indigenous law and supporting Indigenous legal practitioners.

The John Howard Society of Alberta is a non-profit agency concerned with the problem of crime and its prevention. The organization takes its name and spirit from the 18th century humanitarian John Howard, whose name has become a symbol of humane consideration for prisoners. It was incorporated in 1949, and today the organization consists of six separately incorporated districts along with the Provincial Office. The website provides information about the services available in each of these districts.

The John Howard Society is a network of offices across Canada and the Northwest Territories committed to “effective, just and humane responses to the causes and consequences of crime.” They work with people who have come into conflict with the law, advocate for changes in the criminal justice process, engage in public education on matters relating to criminal law and promote crime prevention through community and social development activities. The website provides access to information about the services in each province.

This project assists self-represented litigants with their civil claims in Calgary’s Queen’s Bench Masters and Justice Chambers. The project includes a “storefront” afternoon shift where self-represented litigants and get summary legal information regarding civil matters in the follow areas of law: civil, bankruptcy, real estate, and court procedure. Hours of operation are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday morning and afternoon.

This site maintained by the Law Society of Upper Canada links to the websites of law societies and similar bodies which regulate legal practitioners in other jurisdictions. These websites typically provide contact information, descriptions of member programs and services, news, and notices to the legal profession. In addition, many law society sites now include the full text of relevant legislation, rules of professional conduct, committee reports, and recent issues of the organization’s publications

This is a database that allows people to find a lawyer using a certain search criteria. Individuals can find a lawyer by searching by name, location, practice areas, language(s) spoken, gender, and whether a lawyer offers a limited scope retainers.

The Law Society recognizes that First Nation, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) peoples may face unique access to justice challenges. The society has published  the following 3 resources especially for indigenous peoples:

1. Guide: Handling Everyday Legal Problems
2. Fact Sheet: What the Law Society does
3. Fact Sheet: Working with a lawyer or paralegal

Legal Aid Alberta provides quality, effective legal advice and representation that enables eligible Albertans to resolve their legal issues; Eligibility guidelines are on its web site. It is an independent, publicly funded, not-for-profit organization that provides a broad range of services in the following areas:

• Family Law & Child Welfare
• Emergency Protection Orders & Domestic Violence
• Adult Criminal Law
• Youth Criminal Law
• Immigration and Refugee Law
• Civil Law
• Duty Counsel (Legal Assistance at Court)

Legal Aid’s Duty Counsel Program provides summary legal advice and assistance to unrepresented persons for preliminary appearances before the courts and selected tribunals is offered at no cost to the person.  Duty Counsel generally plays two key service roles:  the formal role as amicus (friend of the court) where Counsel offers assistance to the client in sorting through what should be ready and properly prepared  before  court for presentation to the judge, and the less formal role as advisor helping the client to understand what is taking place in and out of court.

Legaltree.ca is a collaboratively built website with research resources maintained by the site administrators, and legal literature contributed by lawyers in the Canadian legal community. They also provide a directory of Canadian lawyers.

The NCSA mission is to contribute to the holistic development and wellness of the Aboriginal individual, family and community. Programming in this Alberta-wide organization include Criminal, Youth and Family Courtworkers; Correction centres and youth probations; and Family and community wellness.

The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate (OCYA) is an independent office of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, mandated to work with vulnerable young people. 

This includes young people receiving or attempting to access services under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act and the Protection of Sexually Exploited Children Act; or who are involved with the youth justice system. 

How to order a Provincial Court or Court of King’s Bench courtroom transcript.

The Parole Board of Canada (PBC), as part of the criminal justice system, makes independent, quality conditional release and record suspension decisions and clemency recommendations. The Board contributes to the protection of society by facilitating as appropriate, the timely reintegration of offenders as law-abiding citizens.

The Policy Centre for Victim Issues, a division of the Department of Justice Canada, implements the Federal Victim Strategy the objective of which is to give victims of crime a more effective voice in the criminal justice system. We develop policy and criminal law reform, administer the Victims Fund, and broadly share information about issues of importance to victims of crime. Publications include a crime victims’ guide to the criminal justice system and Victim Services Directory.

Pro Bono Law Alberta (PBLA) is a nonprofit organization that promotes access to justice in Alberta by creating and promoting opportunities for lawyers to provide pro bono (free) legal services to persons of limited means. PBLA does not provide direct support to members of the public; their website lists clinics and projects that may be helpful to individuals.

The Provincial Court Court Criminal Clerks are able to assist in providing information for Provincial Court Criminal matters regarding jfudicial procedures, court appearance, trial dates, adkournments, outstanding warrants, summonses, subpeonas, witness fees, and payment of fines. They do not provide legal advice or handle traffic matters.

Student Legal Services of Edmonton (SLS) is a student-managed, non-profit society dedicated to helping low-income individuals in Edmonton and area understand their legal issues and solve their legal problems.

The Supreme Court of Canada is Canada’s final court of appeal, the last judicial resort for all litigants, whether individuals or governments. Its jurisdiction embraces both the civil law of the province of Quebec and the common law of the other provinces and territories.

The Tax Court of Canada is the youngest superior court in Canada. The Court’s jurisdiction includes the hearing of appeals from assessments under the Income Tax Act, the Excise Tax Act (Goods and Services Tax “GST”), the Employment Insurance Act and the Canada Pension Plan, among others. The website gives access to the court judgments as well as providing information for people who plan to represent themselves at the court.