The province is hoping to address some of the challenges for separating couples and families working through the court system.

Currently there are more than 20 paper-based systems in Manitoba court systems families must sift through. Instead, Justice Minister Cliff Cullen says they hope to a new single, provice-wide system that minimizes data entry and shares real-time information updates.

"Couples and families who are separating are currently dependent on the court system, which can be adversarial, complex, expensive and slow," Cullen says. "This can fuel hostilities and slow the resolution of disputes, which has a negative effect on the emotional and physical well-being of the participants, especially children."

He notes the new system will also reduce the need for personal attendance at court offices through e-filing and online payment options, while facilitating online dispute resolutions.

The changes are expected to take thousands of matters out of court and could result in up to $41 million in annual savings in court and legal fees for Manitoba families.

"These enhancements reflect our progress on recommendations made by Manitobans and are the latest in our ongoing efforts to modernize the family law system in Manitoba," Cullen adds.

Every year, approximately 3,000 to 5,000 Manitoba families are affected by separation or divorce.