How long does it take to get a divorce in Ontario?

The timeline varies significantly depending on whether your divorce is uncontested or contested. For an uncontested divorce — where both spouses agree on all issues and the paperwork is in order — the process typically takes several months from the date of filing to the date the judge reviews the materials. Court processing times fluctuate based on each courthouse's backlog.

You must also have been separated for at least one year before the court can grant the order. If you file before the year is up (which is allowed), the judge simply won't sign the order until the anniversary of separation has passed. The divorce order itself takes effect 31 days after it is made, after which you can apply for a Certificate of Divorce.

If the divorce is contested — meaning you and your spouse disagree on parenting, property, or support — the timeline can stretch considerably, sometimes to several years, depending on how complex the issues are and how quickly you can reach agreement or get a court date. Negotiating a separation agreement in advance of or alongside the divorce process usually makes the divorce itself faster and less expensive.