How Much Does A Divorce in Ontario Cost?​

Divorce in Ontario Costs $669.

As of 1 January 2023, the Court Fees for all Divorce Applications in Ontario Costs $669, payable in two installments of $224 and $445. The first payment of $224 is payable at the time of filing the application, and the second payment of $445 is due at the time of setting the matter down for a divorce hearing.

A divorce Lawyer costs $750 + HST for a simple divorce in Ontario, also known as an uncontested divorce. Conversely, a contested divorce in Ontario costs thousands of dollars because of the number of claims and complexity of divorce. Therefore total cost for a simple divorce in Ontario would be $1,516.50, all-inclusive. 

Divorce-in-Ontario-cost-$632

Average cost of a contested divorce in Ontario

It is also interesting to note that the cost of divorce in Ontario varies significantly depending on whether it is a contested or an uncontested Divorce. As per the market trend, Legal fees for a contested divorce in Ontario cost between $5,750 to $45,623 plus taxes. In comparison, complex divorces leading to trial could cost $81,000 to $250,000 or more.

OUR LEGAL SERVICES

Our divorce lawyer services ranges from uncontested divorce to contested divorce in Ontario.

SHAIKH LAW FIRM has helped clients with contested divorce applications with multiples claims such as child custody, child support, enforcement of child support and termination of child support payments, spousal support, division of property & pension, property claims such as matrimonial homes, parenting contracts and grandparents applications.

Difference between Uncontested & Contested Divorce

An uncontested divorce is also known as a simple divorce in Ontario, which means only a divorce claim is filed in court. You can also file a joint divorce if you and your ex wish to apply together.

On the other hand, a contested divorce means both parties do not agree on all issues, such as custody, child support, spousal support, division of property, matrimonial home and much more.

Types of Divorce in Ontario

Simple vs Joint Divorce in Ontario

Simple Divorce

One Spouse files Uncontested Divorce

Joint Divorce

Both spouse apply togehter for divorce

Eligible to File Divorce in Ontario

Are you eligible to file for divorce in Ontario?

Before you file your simple divorce in Ontario or uncontested divorce in Ontario you want to make sure you are eligible to file your divorce application. 

  1. Legally Married.
  2. There is no possibility of reconciliation.
  3. You need to file your original marriage certificate.
  4. You or your spouse has been a resident of Ontario for at least one year before filing for Divorce.
  5. You must establish one of the three grounds for Divorce.

a. separation for one year.
b. adultery.
c. cruelty.

How-much-does-a-simple-divorce-cost-in-Ontario

Experienced

Experienced Divorce Lawyers

Affordable

Legal Fees for our lawyers are afforable

Knowledgeable

We have the skill & knowledge to get results

Choose your package

Uncontested Divorce Only

legal fees

DRAFTING ONLY
$ 499 + HST
  • Divorce Consultation
  • Do It Yourself
  • Step by Step Instructions
  • Drafting Divorce Documents
  • Reviewed by a Divorce Lawyer
  • Online Support
  • Submission NOT INCLUDED
  • Response to Objections NOT INCLUDED
  • Simple Uncontested Divorce Only
  •  

LEGAL FEES

COMPLETE PACKAGE
$ 750 + HST
  • Divorce Consultation
  • Fully Managed by our Law Firm
  • Drafting of all Court Documents
  • Submission of all Court Documents
  • Court Attendance
  • Responding to Judge's Objections
  • Obtainging Divorce Order
  • Applying for Divorce Certificate
  • Simple Uncontested Divorce Only
  •  
Popular

Disclaimer

Our all-inclusive flat legal fees for an uncontested divorce in Ontario are based on filing a claim for divorce only for parties based in Ontario. If you have additional claims, then you may need a separation agreement before filing for an uncontested divorce, or you may need to file a contested divorce. Similarly, if the other party files a  claim in response to your application for a simple divorce, your application becomes a contested divorce. 

Please contact our divorce lawyers in Toronto for a free consultation.

Expenses such as court fees of $632 and the cost of service of documents (approx $99 for the Greater Toronto Area) are not part of our legal fees.  Additional fees and costs may apply if the other party is not based in Ontario. 

How Much it Costs to Get a Divorce Certificate in Ontario?

Once you are divorced, you can apply for to get a divorce certificate. A divorce certificate costs $24, payable to the Minister of Finance. The court fees can be paid by 

  • Mastercard, 
  • Visa, 
  • Interact debit card or
  •  a cheque or money order, payable to the Minister of Finance, if you apply by mail

Note: A divorce certificate is issued 30 days after the divorce order has been passed.

How to get a copy of your divorce certificate?

You can get a copy of your divorce certificate:

  • Request your lawyer to provide you with a copy. We charge a fee of $99 + Hst
  • online through the Justice Services Online Portal using your ONe-key account
  • in-person at the courthouse (you can also ask a representative to go on your behalf)
  • by mail to the courthouse

If you need our services to obtain a copy of your Divorce Certificate, then we would need the:

  • court file number
  • names of the parties
  • date of the divorce
  • name, address and telephone number of the person requesting the certificate

Can the court fees be waived?

Yes, you can apply for a court fees waiver if, your primary source of household income is from:

  • Ontario Works
  • Ontario Disability Support Program
  • Old Age Security Pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement.
  • War Veterans Allowance
  • Canada Pension Plan 
  • Legal Aid Certificate

Tips to Keep Divorce Costs Low

If your case is leaning towards contested divorce, then life can become more expensive as a divorced couple. Therefore, you probably wish to keep your Divorce Costs as low as possible. There are some ways of doing this with a little careful planning.

If you are still communicating well as a couple, then it is advisable to agree as much as possible in advance of your application for divorce. Entering into a separation agreement is a great way to save divorce costs.

Our lawyers can draft a separation agreement to help you resolve most claims, such as child support, child custody, spousal support, and property division.

If you can’t reach an agreement, identify the items you disagree on in advance. You can retain the services of a lawyer or a mediator to help you resolve issues you disagree. 

Retaining the services of a lawyer or a mediator will help you carry out the negotiation to avoid litigation. A mediation process will help you as a couple to resolve any issues regarding access to children, spousal support and asset division.

Although you will still need to seek independent legal advice following mediation, the divorce terms should be agreed upon via mediation, making the legal process quicker and cheaper.


Pick your battles. Decide whether your bone of contention is worth fighting. Do you really need the newer of the two cars? While you may decide that material possessions are not worth incurring a substantial legal bill, custody of your children probably is.


Despite the legal fees, getting a divorce lawyer in Ontario can actually save you money. Attempting to navigate the family law courts yourself can be costly in both time and money. Choose wisely and save yourself money.


Get organized and be prepared to provide a well-compiled file of documents to your lawyer. Your bill can spiral if your divorce lawyer is missing information and needs to keep asking for new documents.
Keep court time to a minimum. Choose an experienced divorce lawyer in Ontario who knows how to expedite the process.


If you qualify for legal aid, then you may be able to access a free or cheaper lawyer. The province’s legal aid department will be able to advise you whether or not you qualify for this service.


Take advice on tax optimization to ensure that your personal funds are not included in the division of assets list. If you cannot afford to retain a Lawyer, then consider applying for a Legal Aid Certificate to cover your lawyer’s Legal Fees and Divorce Certificate Ontario costs.

If you are eligible financially, Legal Aid Ontario will issue a certificate to be represented by a Lawyer.
It takes a little forward planning, but a prenuptial agreement or marriage contract drawn up by a Family Lawyer in Ontario can make life a lot easier and cheaper if your marriage does end in divorce.

affordable-Divorce-Lawyer-in-Ontario

Find a Divorce Lawyer Near You

We serve clients across Greater Toronto Area and commonly appear at the following court locations. 

Divorce Lawyer Toronto | Divorce Lawyer Mississauga | Divorce Lawyer Brampton |Divorce Lawyer Hamilton | Divorce Lawyer Barrie

Divorce lawyer Brampton free consultation

Have a question? At Shaikh Law, our Divorce lawyers offer free consultation for 15 minutes.

Call us

(905) 795 7757

Fax

(905) 795 1271

We Serve Clients Across Ontario

Multiple Meeting Locations

FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers

You must establish one of the three grounds for Divorce.

a. separation for one year.

b. adultery.

c. cruelty.

Click here to learn more

On average, it takes 4 to 6 months to complete a simple divorce in Ontario, also known as an Uncontested Divorce in Ontario. However, if there are additional claims other than divorce, such as custody, support or division of property, then it could take several months or years to complete.

Click here to learn more 

Divorce in Ontario Costs $632.

The Court Fees for all Divorce Applications in Ontario Costs $632 payable in two installments of $212 at the time of filing & $420 at the time of setting the matter down for a Divorce Hearing.

A divorce Lawyer costs $750 + HST for a simiple divorce in Ontario. 

Click Here to Learn More.

A Divorce is granted is where a spouse who is legally married wishes to terminate his or her marriage by way of Divorce Proceedings before the Family Court of Law. Whereas Annulment of marriage is granted by a Civil Court of Law declaring that the Marriage was null and void or in other words the marriage did not exist in the first place. 

Click here to Learn More

There are Three Types of Divorce Applications in Ontario.

  1. Simple Uncontested Divorce
  2. Joint Uncontested Divorce
  3. Divorce with other contested relief.

Click here to learn more

Call Now