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When filing an uncontested divorce in Ontario, there are two types of uncontested cases:

Uncontested Sole Divorce: When both spouses are in agreement about the divorce and do not oppose the divorce, either the husband or wife files the divorce papers with the court asking for the divorce. Once the papers are filed with the court, your spouse is served with the divorce papers. Your spouse then has 30 days to contest or challenge the divorce, or make a claim such as for support, property, custody, etc. If your spouse does not challenge the divorce within the required period, the divorce will proceed as “uncontested” and will be finalized by the Ontario court.

Uncontested Joint Divorce: The second way to proceed is to file a joint divorce. In this type of filing, both the husband and wife sign and swear the divorce papers, including the Affidavit of Divorce. Neither spouse is suing the other for divorce – you are simply asking the Ontario court to grant a divorce based on separation. In a joint divorce application, spouses can also jointly ask the court to include an order relating to custody, access, support if both spouses agree to the terms. Couples prefer filing a joint divorce because filing in this manner does not require serving divorce documents on the other spouse.

Divorce Time Frame: The time that it takes to process an uncontested divorce in Ontario varies based on a number of factors. One of these factors may be the courthouse in which your divorce papers are filed. Family courts across Ontario vary in the time they take to process applications. However, as a general time frame, if all the necessary steps are taken and the documents are filed on time, it takes about 2 to 3 months to process the entire uncontested divorce in Ontario.

Clearance Certificate: Once the 8A application for divorce is filed, a document called the “clearance certificate” is sent from the Central Registry of Divorce Proceedings located in Ottawa, Ontario to the courthouse in which the divorce application is filed. This Registry keeps nation-wide records of divorce applications filed after July 2, 1968. If there is another divorce application involving the same two spouses, the Registry lets the courts know. If there are no other divorce applications involving the two spouses, the clearance certificate is sent and the divorce process moves forward. For more information about the Central Registry, you can click here.

I hope we were able to give you some of the information you required in order to make your decision about the type of divorce in Ontario that you will be filing. Whether you are filling a sole divorce or a joint divorce, our Family Lawyer can process your case or guide your decisions. Here is a link to recent publications about Family Law on the Department of Justice website.

NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER: The material posted on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. If you are in need of legal advice relating to your particular situation it is highly recommended to consult with a lawyer.