Family LawFixed feeUncontested divorce

Divorce Application + Cert

Uncontested divorce application including certificate

Most family law work in Ontario is reserved to lawyers, and a paralegal may do only the limited family services allowed by the Law Society's Family Legal Services Provider licence, so the firm does only what its licence permits and refers everything else, including independent legal advice, domestic contracts, contested parenting or property issues, adoption and urgent motions, to an Ontario lawyer.

A divorce based on separation usually requires living apart for at least one year, and it takes effect on the 31st day after the divorce order; a certificate can then be requested. Ontario Licensed paralegal firm (LSO P21785)

What is included

  • Confirming the basic requirements, such as at least one year of separation and arrangements for any children
  • Preparing the divorce application and supporting affidavit, where the firm's licence permits
  • Arranging service on your spouse and proof of service, if needed
  • Filing the documents and following up with the court
  • Explaining how to get the divorce certificate once the divorce takes effect

What is not included

  • Court fees and other disbursements, such as process server and certificate costs
  • Independent legal advice on a domestic contract, which a lawyer must give
  • Contested issues, property division or court appearances outside the firm's licence
  • Child protection, adoption and other matters a lawyer must handle

Who this service is for

  • Separated or separating spouses who agree on the issues
  • Parents who want parenting time and support set out in writing
  • People whose support needs to be updated by agreement
  • Anyone who wants to know which parts of a family matter need a lawyer

Information to have ready

  1. 1Your marriage certificate, with a certified translation if it is not in English or French
  2. 2Your date of separation
  3. 3Children's details and your child support arrangements, with income information
  4. 4Your spouse's address for service
  5. 5Any existing order or agreement

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost?

The fee is $1,500 plus 13% HST ($1,695.00 in all) for the work described on this page. Court, tribunal or government fees and other disbursements are extra. We confirm the scope and the fee in a written retainer agreement before any work starts.

What happens when I check out?

You book a time for your intake call, then save a card on Stripe's secure page. Nothing is charged today: the card is only charged later, for an invoice for work already done, as your retainer agreement sets out. A licensed paralegal confirms the details, checks for conflicts of interest and, if we can act for you, sends the retainer agreement. Fees paid before the work is done are held in our trust account.

Do spouses need to be separated for a year before applying?

You can usually start the application after separating, but a divorce on that ground is generally not granted until you have lived apart for at least one year.

Can spouses apply together?

Yes. If both spouses agree, a joint application may be possible, and it does not need to be served on the other spouse.

Will I have to go to court?

Usually not for an uncontested divorce; a judge typically reviews the papers. The judge may ask for more information, especially about child support.

General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.

Important limitations

  • No outcome can be guaranteed; the court decides
  • Contested matters and property division usually need a lawyer
  • Both parties must give full and honest financial disclosure
Law Society of Ontario — Barreau de l'Ontario
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