How Much Does A Divorce in Ontario Cost?

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 $999 + 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, a simple divorce in Ontario costs $1,797.87, including court and legal fees.

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.

Uncontested Divorce

Contested Divorce

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.

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.

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

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

Experienced

Experienced Divorce Lawyers

Affordable

Legal Fees for our lawyers are afforable

Knowledgeable

We have the skill & knowledge to get results

Uncontested Divorce Costs

$ 999 + 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 of $999 + HST is only 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.

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.

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

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

Call us

(905) 795 7757

E-Mail

info@slclawyer.ca

Fax

(905) 795 1271

We Serve Clients Across Ontario

Multiple Meeting Locations

FAQs

What are the grounds for Divorce?
You must establish one of the three grounds for Divorce, namely separation for one year or adultery or cruelty. Click here to learn more.

How long does it take to get a divorce in Ontario?
On average, a simple or uncontested divorce takes 4 to 6 months to conclude, whereas a contested divorce can take longer, depending upon the complexities. Click Here to learn More.

How long do you have to be separated before divorce in Ontario?
You have to be separated for one year before a divorce in Ontario can be filed, and a divorce order only becomes effective after 31 days from the date of the divorce order.
What is a Divorce application in Ontario?
A divorce application in Ontario is a formal legal document filed by one or both spouses seeking to dissolve their marriage under the jurisdiction of Ontario law by way of filing Form 8A for uncontested Divorce and Form 8 General for contested Divorce. This application initiates the legal process of divorce and outlines the grounds on which the petitioner is requesting the dissolution of the marriage.
How to file for divorce in Ontario without a lawyer?
To file for divorce in Ontario, you must submit an application by way of form 8A or 8 General to the Superior Court of Justice. We have a comprehensive guide with 9 simple steps to help you learn how to file for a divorce in Ontario. Click Here
What if my spouse and I do not agree on all issues?
Our services are aimed at uncontested divorces where both parties agree on all matters. If there are disagreements, we recommend seeking legal advice or mediation services to resolve these issues before proceeding with the online divorce.
We offer legal services for separation agreements as well as contested divorce services as well, you can request a free consultation.

How Much Does A Divorce in Ontario Cost?​