The Family Law Act consolidates provincial family law that was spread out over several acts including the Domestic Relations Act, Maintenance Order Act, Parentage and Maintenance Act, and parts of the Provincial Court Act.

The Act updates, amends and clarifies existing laws to ensure they are up-to-date for Alberta families in the 21 st century.

The Act was introduced in the Alberta Legislature in May 2003 and passed in December 2003. It was proclaimed on October 1, 2005.