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May 19, 2006
Successful family law program expands to Calgary
Program streamlines court process for applicants
Calgary... An Alberta Justice program that helps make the court process easier for Albertans involved in family legal disputes is now available in Calgary Provincial Court.
The Intake and Caseflow Management program helps Albertans involved in legal disputes over parenting, child visitation rights and guardianship of children. The goal of the program is to help people through the court process and perhaps resolve disputes without a court appearance. The program follows a successful pilot project that began in Edmonton in 2001.
"This program is another example of using innovation to improve access to the justice system and to streamline the process," said Alberta Justice Minister Ron Stevens. "Sometimes family law matters are better handled outside the courtroom. By promoting alternative dispute resolution, the focus becomes finding agreement and eliminating conflict, which is in the best interest of Alberta families and children."
Under the program, people involved in a dispute, but without legal representation, meet with program staff before the dispute proceeds to court. Without giving legal advice, staff help litigants explore options as well as possible solutions and other available services. If this resolves the dispute successfully, program staff can also help prepare the necessary paperwork and forward it to the court for final decision.
If the matter cannot be resolved, applicants are given information on court procedures to prepare them for court. This helps ensure court hearings are productive and cuts down on unnecessary adjournments. Applicants also receive information on mediation and judicial dispute resolution, which may help resolve the matter without taking the dispute to be decided in court.
People who come to court without legal representation often find themselves involved in unnecessary delays and extra appearances because of their unfamiliarity with court rules and procedures. Giving people the information they need to be prepared and make informed decisions saves time for the court and all parties involved.
Operating in Edmonton for the last five years, caseflow management has been very successful with an average of 58 per cent of cases being resolved by agreement. While designed for people without legal representation, the program is available, on request, to people who have a lawyer.
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Justice website:
Media enquiries may be directed to:
David Dear
Assistant Director
Justice Communications
(780) 427-8530
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
Copyright(c); 2006 Government of Alberta