Divorce
For married spouses who have lived apart for at least one year, or who have another ground under the Divorce Act.
What it costs
$1,650 flat
Flat fee of $1,650 plus HST, disbursements and court fees for a simple uncontested divorce.
How our fees work1.Overview
To get a divorce in Canada, you must show that the marriage has broken down. The usual way is to live separate and apart for at least one year, as the Divorce Act allows. If you and your spouse agree on everything, a simple or joint application is usually the most direct route. If you still disagree about children, support or property, we deal with those issues first or at the same time as the divorce.
A divorce ends the marriage in law. It does not by itself settle parenting, support or property, so we look at those issues first. A court will not grant a divorce until it sees that reasonable child support arrangements are in place.
You can live under the same roof and still be separated, if you lead separate lives. We explain how the court looks at this and what evidence helps.
2.What is included
- 2.1Simple and joint divorce applications
- 2.2Contested divorces with open issues
- 2.3Service of court documents on your spouse
- 2.4Affidavit and draft divorce order
- 2.5Divorce certificate once the order takes effect
3.Papers to bring
You do not need all of these for the first meeting. Bring what you have, and your clerk will tell you what is still missing.
- a.Marriage certificate
- b.Date of separation
- c.Any separation agreement or court order
- d.Your spouse's current address for service
4.How it usually goes
A simple or joint divorce is decided by a judge on paper, with no court appearance. If parenting, support or property are still open, we settle those first, by agreement or in court.
Every file starts with a short call, a consultation, a written retainer and financial disclosure. See the stages on our how a case moves timeline.
Questions about divorce
Each answer is general information. Your lawyer will tell you how it applies to you.
How long does a simple divorce take?
It depends on how busy the court is. Once the judge signs the order, the divorce takes effect 31 days later, and you can then order the certificate.
I married outside Canada. Can I divorce in Ontario?
Yes, if you or your spouse has lived in Ontario for at least one year before the application. We may need a certified translation of your marriage certificate.
How much does a first consultation cost?
A one-hour consultation is $250 plus HST. If you hire us, we credit that amount to your account.
Do you accept Legal Aid Ontario certificates?
Yes, for family law matters. Legal Aid Ontario decides who qualifies, so apply to them first and bring your certificate to the consultation.
Can you act for both my spouse and me?
No. In family law we can act for only one spouse. Your spouse will need their own lawyer, and the Law Society Referral Service can help them find one.
Start with one hour and a written quote.
(613) 555-0117- Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Evening video meetings by appointment
- Saturday and Sunday, closed
