Alberta Divorce Cost Estimator

A divorce in Alberta costs between CAD $1,500 for a straightforward uncontested case and CAD $16,750 or more for contested proceedings under the Family Law Act (SA 2003, c F-4.5). The court filing fee alone is CAD $260 at the Court of King's Bench, plus $10 for the Central Registry of Divorce Proceedings. Total costs depend on whether you use an attorney (median rate CAD $350/hour), mediator, or self-represent.

The Court of King's Bench charges CAD $260 to file a Statement of Claim for Divorce in Alberta, plus a mandatory $10 Central Registry of Divorce Proceedings fee. Some filings involving both divorce and division of family property may cost up to $300. Fee waivers are available for those who cannot afford the filing fee by submitting an Application for Fee Waiver and Statement of Finances to the court.

Alberta divorce attorneys charge a median hourly rate of CAD $350, with rates typically ranging from $200 to $600 per hour depending on experience and location. Most lawyers require an upfront retainer of CAD $1,500 to $5,000 before beginning work. For uncontested divorces, some firms offer flat-fee arrangements between CAD $1,000 and $3,000 covering basic filing and court representation.

Yes, Alberta offers fee waivers for individuals who cannot afford the CAD $260 court filing fee. You must complete an Application for Fee Waiver and Statement of Finances and submit it to the Court of King's Bench. Legal Aid Alberta also covers contested family law matters for individuals earning approximately $30,000 or less in gross annual income — call 1-866-845-3425 to apply.

Alberta does not mandate private mediation, but courts strongly encourage it, and the 2026 Family First Protocol prioritizes resolution services before judicial hearings. Private mediators charge CAD $150–$500 per hour in Alberta. The provincial government offers subsidized family mediation for households earning under $60,000 annually, with income-based fees as low as $5 per hour through Alberta Family Mediation Services.

An uncontested divorce in Alberta typically costs approximately CAD $1,500 total when handled without an attorney, covering the $260 filing fee, $10 Central Registry fee, and $100–$300 for process serving. With a lawyer on a flat-fee basis, expect to pay CAD $1,000 to $3,000 in legal fees on top of court costs. Alberta's free Parenting After Separation course eliminates what would otherwise be an additional expense.

Beyond filing fees and attorney retainers, Alberta divorce costs include process server fees of CAD $100–$300, notary fees of $25–$50 per document, and real estate appraisal fees of $300–$500 if dividing property. Business valuations can cost $5,000–$15,000, and parenting assessments ordered by the court range from $3,000 to $10,000. Court reporter fees for transcripts add $500–$1,500 per hearing day.

Yes, you can self-represent in Alberta divorce proceedings filed at the Court of King's Bench. Alberta Courts provides free forms at albertacourts.ca, and Law Central Alberta offers self-help resources for unrepresented litigants. You must still pay the CAD $260 filing fee and complete the free Parenting After Separation course if children are involved. Self-represented divorces work best for uncontested cases with straightforward asset division.