Bringing Back Debtor's Prison: Civil Enforcement of Family Law Judgements

Presented by the CBA Alberta Family Law (South) Section

Obtaining a judgment or award in family law is sometimes only half the battle.

This practical lunch and learn will walk family lawyers through the civil enforcement tools available in Alberta and the steps involved in actually putting them to use.

The presentation will cover enforcement of costs awards and judgments, collection of unpaid legal fees following taxation, and enforcement of arbitration awards and trial judgments. Topics will include converting arbitration awards under s. 49 of the Arbitration Act, filing Court of Justice judgments with the Court of King’s Bench, writs of enforcement and Personal Property Registry registration, garnishment of wages and other sources of income, and the potential role of contempt proceedings.

Designed specifically for family law practitioners, the session will focus on the practical process: where to start, what to file, which enforcement options may be available in different circumstances, and the issues lawyers should watch for when advising clients about collection and enforcement.

PRESENTERS

Erin Morrison (Associate, Morrison LLP)
Emily Varga (Partner, VML Family Law LLP)

MEETING DETAILS

Date:	Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Time:	12:00 Noon (MT)
Location:	CBA Alberta Calgary office 710 First Alberta Place | 777 - 8 Avenue SW, Calgary

RSVP Deadline: Due to increased food costs, we are unable to accommodate drop-ins for in-person events. If you miss the RSVP deadline and would still like to participate, you may be able to attend by webcast or watch the recording on demand, where these options are available.

Participant Disclaimer
All materials related to this event are for the sole use of the registrant, and may not be copied, reproduced, uploaded, posted, publicly displayed, translated, distributed, shared, modified, made available on a network or other website, used to create derivative works, or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever without the prior express written permission of the Canadian Bar Association.

Cancellations made no later than 48 hours before the event are eligible for a refund. On-demand or non-subscribers who confirm and do not attend will still be charged the registration fee. Section subscriptions are non-transferrable, nor are substitutions permitted at meetings. You must be a current national CBA member to attend.