How much does a divorce cost in Ontario in 2026?

The total cost for a simple, uncontested divorce in Ontario is typically $1,797.87. This includes a $999 flat-fee for legal services plus $669 in mandatory government court filing fees and HST.

What are the mandatory court filing fees for divorce in Ontario?

As of 2026, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice requires a total of $669 in filing fees. This is paid in two installments: $224 when the application is first filed and $445 when the matter is set down for a divorce hearing.

Can Ontario court fees for divorce be waived?

Yes, if you meet certain low-income thresholds or receive assistance such as Ontario Works or ODSP, you may apply for a Fee Waiver. If approved, the $669 mandatory court fees can be waived entirely.

How much does a contested divorce cost in Ontario?

A contested divorce involves disputes over assets, support, or parenting and is typically billed hourly. In 2026, average lawyer rates range from $400 to $800+ per hour, with total costs often reaching $15,000 to $50,000 or more.

How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Ontario?

A 2026 guide to all divorce-related costs in Ontario, from mandatory court fees to legal representation.

How Much Does A Divorce in Ontario Cost?

The total cost of a divorce in Ontario generally consists of two components: mandatory court filing fees and legal fees. For a simple, uncontested divorce, the total divorce cost is typically $1,797.87, inclusive of HST and all required government filing fees.

1. Mandatory Court Fees – $669

The Ontario government requires a total of $669 in court filing fees to process a divorce application. These fees are payable in two installments:

$224 at the time the Divorce Application is filed; and
$445 when the matter is set down for divorce and ready for judicial review.

These fees are prescribed by regulation and apply uniformly across Ontario, regardless of whether you represent yourself or hire a lawyer.

2. Legal Fees for an Uncontested Divorce – $999 (+ HST)

For a simple uncontested divorce, Shaikh Law Firm offers a $999 + HST flat-fee legal service. This covers the preparation, filing, and management of the entire process from start to finish.

By contrast, contested divorces—which involve disputes over parenting, support, or property—are billed on an hourly basis. In 2026, with average senior lawyer rates in Ontario ranging from $400 to $800+ per hour, contested cases can quickly reach $15,000 to $50,000+, depending on complexity.

Average cost of a contested divorce in Ontario

The cost of a divorce in Ontario depends primarily on whether the parties agree on the terms of their separation. While government court fees are fixed, legal fees increase significantly as conflict increases.

Feature	Uncontested Divorce	Contested Divorce
Legal Fees	$999 + HST (flat fee)	$15,000 – $60,000+
Court Fees	$669 (mandatory)	$669 (mandatory)
Billing Model	Fixed	Hourly
Timeline	4–6 months	1–3 years or more
Conflict Level	Low	Moderate to High
Best Suited For	Parties in full agreement	Disputed parenting, support, or property

Mandatory Government Court Fees

As of 2026, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice requires a total of $669 in filing fees for all divorce applications. This is paid in two distinct installments as your case progresses:

Installment 1: $224 – Paid when the Divorce Application (Form 8A) is first filed and “issued” by the court.
Installment 2: $445 – Paid when you file the “Affidavit for Divorce,” which officially asks a judge to review your file and grant the divorce order.

Pro Tip on Fee Waivers: If you are receiving Ontario Works, ODSP, or meet specific low-income thresholds, you may apply for a Fee Waiver. If approved, the $669 fee is entirely waived.

Disbursements: The "Hidden" Costs of Divorce

Disbursements are out-of-pocket expenses paid to third parties. We believe in 100% transparency; beyond legal fees, you should budget for:

Process Servers ($85 – $170 per attempt): Unless you file a Joint Application, your spouse must be legally “served.” Professional servers ensure this is done correctly to avoid court delays.
Certified Translation ($59 – $120+): If your marriage certificate is not in English or French, it must be translated by an ATIO-certified translator.
Divorce Certificate ($24): This is the final document you can order 31 days after your divorce is granted, which you will need if you plan to remarry.

Strategies to Minimize Your Divorce Costs

The total bill for your divorce in Ontario is often a direct result of how you handle the process. Here are three professional tips to ensure you stay within the $999 flat-fee bracket by following our complete guide to uncontested divorce in Ontario:

Finalize a Separation Agreement First: The court will not grant a divorce if child support or property issues are unresolved. Resolving these through a Separation Agreement before filing ensures your case remains “uncontested.”
Opt for a Joint Application: If you and your spouse are on speaking terms, you can file a Joint Divorce. This eliminates the cost of a process server ($85–$170) because both parties sign the documents together.
Organize Your Documentation: Court delays often happen due to missing marriage certificates or incorrect names. Ensure your marriage certificate is the “Long-Form” version and matches your ID exactly.

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Why Choose Shaikh Law Firm for Your Ontario Divorce?

Navigating a divorce is as much about peace of mind as it is about the law. We provide a streamlined, lawyer-managed process designed to move you forward without the stress of unpredictable hourly billing.

Experienced Representation: Our lawyers appear regularly in courts across the GTA, including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, and Barrie.
Affordable Transparency: We offer one of Ontario’s most competitive flat-fee packages at $999 + HST.
Comprehensive Service: Unlike “form-only” services, we handle everything from drafting and filing to responding to judicial objections.

Our Simple Divorce Package Includes:

Drafting all mandatory court documents (Form 8A, Affidavits, etc.).
Managing all court filings and interactions with the Registrar.
Assistance with obtaining your final Divorce Order and Certificate.

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

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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.

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Our step-by-step guide explains how we manage your uncontested divorce from filing to final order for a $999 flat fee.

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.

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