Divorce Act (Canada) Insights for Ontario Residents

What is the Divorce Act (Canada)

What is the Divorce Act (Canada)?

Definition and History of the Divorce Act

The Divorce Act (Canada) was first enacted in 1986, replacing earlier legislation that varied significantly by province. It provided a unified, federal approach to divorce, simplifying legal processes for Canadians regardless of their location.

In 2021, the Act underwent significant amendments to modernize family law in Canada. These changes aimed to:

  • Focus on the best interests of the child.
  • Address issues such as family violence and its impact on parenting arrangements.
  • Provide clearer guidelines on parenting time, decision-making responsibility, and the relocation of children after divorce.