Tag: Pre-Hearing Steps
What to Expect in a Contested Divorce Hearing in Ontario Courts

Pre-Hearing Steps in a Contested Divorce
Before a contested divorce hearing takes place in Ontario, there are several important procedural steps designed to prepare the case and encourage settlement where possible.
- Filing Applications, Responses, and Supporting Documents
The process begins when one spouse (the applicant) files an Application for Divorce with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. In contested matters, the application will include claims for relief—such as property division, custody, or support—along with supporting evidence. The other spouse (the respondent) must file a Response within the prescribed time frame, setting out their position and any counterclaims.