What is the process to remove an ex-spouse's name from title after a separation agreement is signed?

Signing a separation agreement that says one spouse will keep the home doesn't, by itself, update the land registry — the agreement documents what the spouses have agreed to, but an actual conveyancing step is still needed to change who's registered on title. This typically means preparing and registering a transfer reflecting the agreed outcome, often alongside a mortgage discharge and new financing if the staying spouse is refinancing to fund a buyout of the other's share, as a separate but related step from signing the agreement itself.

Because transfers between spouses made under a separation agreement are generally treated favourably for Ontario's land transfer tax, this kind of transfer is often less costly than an ordinary sale between unrelated parties, but it still requires proper legal work to get the details right, including confirming the separation agreement adequately supports the transfer and addressing any outstanding mortgage or other encumbrances on the property. This isn't something that happens automatically once the agreement is signed, and delays in completing it can leave both spouses in an uncertain position regarding the property. Anyone with a separation agreement addressing the home should follow up with a real estate lawyer promptly to complete the actual transfer, rather than assuming the agreement alone changes title.