Separating and moving toward divorce in Ontario, step by step: what changes right away, interim arrangements, disclosure, negotiating or going to court, the agreement or order, the divorce itself, and what comes after. Seven stages carry you through it — separation, interim arrangements, disclosure, negotiate or court, agreement or order, divorce and after — each explaining what happens, who is responsible, and what Ontario law requires. Calculators, a glossary and guides to download sit alongside the stages, and every one ends with our flat, published fee and a way to start a file online.
Your journey, step by step
Every stage is its own page: what happens, who is involved, what it costs, and where a lawyer comes in.
What changes immediately, and what the law expects of you
Temporary support, parenting time and who stays in the home
Sworn financial statements and the documents that support them
Settling through lawyers, or a contested court case
A signed separation agreement, or a court order after a contested case
The order that actually ends the marriage, usually paperwork by this point
Filing, updating documents, enforcement and what can still change
More situations in this centre
Beyond the core journey above: scenarios that change the steps.
Tools
Calculators, checklists that build themselves, and timelines you can drop a date into.
Answer a few questions about your situation for a list of practical and legal steps. It is a starting point, not advice on your situation.
TimelineA typical Ontario family court timelineA typical path from an issued application to a final order. Every file is different — this shows the usual stages, not dates you can rely on.
LiveChild support calculatorThe Guidelines table amount.
LiveSpousal support estimatorThe advisory ranges.
Checklist builderWhat do I need for a Form 13 or 13.1 financial statement?Answer a few questions and get a document list matched to your case. It mirrors what the Family Law Rules require on a sworn financial statement. It is a starting point, not legal advice on your case.
LiveEqualization calculatorNet family property, step by step.
QuizIs your file ready for the family court process?Nine short questions about documents, disclosure and urgency. The result explains what a court process usually needs next; it does not advise on your case.
CalculatorFamily court timelineUse this once a family court application is issued, to see typical windows from application through to trial.
LiveShared-parenting set-offSupport when time is shared.
Who you'll deal with
And what each one is actually responsible for.
Advises you, prepares and serves documents, negotiates with the other side, represents you at conferences, motions and trial if it comes to that, and takes the divorce itself through to a final order.
Regulated by Law Society of OntarioDoes the same job for your spouse. If your spouse is unrepresented, expect the process to take longer and to require more from your own lawyer in writing.
Regulated by Law Society of OntarioManages the case at conferences, decides motions for interim relief, and — if nothing settles — hears the trial and makes the final orders, including the divorce.
Regulated by Ontario Superior Court of JusticeAn experienced family lawyer who runs an early, neutral case conference in select courthouses to narrow issues and test settlement before the case goes further.
Regulated by Ministry of the Attorney GeneralCourthouse staff who explain the process, the forms and the Mandatory Information Program. They give information, not advice, and cannot tell you how your case will turn out.
Regulated by Ministry of the Attorney GeneralA chartered business valuator, actuary or accountant who values a business, pension or income for support when the numbers are not straightforward.
Regulated by CBV Institute, Canadian Institute of Actuaries or CPA Ontario as applicableMay be asked by a judge to represent a child's interests or to investigate and report on a contested parenting dispute. Not automatic in every case.
Regulated by Ministry of the Attorney GeneralEnforces support once an order or a filed agreement is registered with it, collecting from the payor and paying the recipient, and can suspend a licence or garnish wages for arrears.
Regulated by Ministry of Children, Community and Social ServicesGuides to download
Free, by email, in seconds.
Free to download. Arrives by email in seconds.
Guide · PDFPreparing your financial statement for Ontario family courtFree to download. Arrives by email in seconds.
Guide · PDFThe Ontario family court process, from application to trialFree to download. Arrives by email in seconds.
Guide · PDFBuilding a parenting plan after separation in OntarioFree to download. Arrives by email in seconds.
Guide · PDFSeparating in Ontario: A Step-by-Step RoadmapFree to download. Arrives by email in seconds.
Guide · PDFHow to File for an Uncontested Divorce in OntarioFree to download. Arrives by email in seconds.
Guide · PDFSeparation Agreement Decision Guide: Do You Need One, and How Should You Get It?Free to download. Arrives by email in seconds.
Read more
From the articles and answers already on the site.
Related centres
Other Learning Centres for the same transaction.
Words worth knowing
A few from the full glossary.
Living separate and apart with at least one spouse intending it to be permanent. Not a filing or a certificate — a fact that can be dated later if disputed.
The date property and debts are valued for equalization — usually the date spouses separate with no reasonable prospect of resuming cohabitation.
The time a child spends in a parent's care, including everyday decisions made during that time. Replaced 'access' in the Divorce Act in 2021.
Authority over significant decisions about a child — health, education, culture, religion and major activities. Replaced 'custody' in the Divorce Act in 2021.
The only test for a parenting order under the Divorce Act and the Children's Law Reform Act, with primary consideration given to the child's safety, security and well-being.
Under the Divorce Act, violent or threatening conduct or a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour, including financial abuse — not only physical harm. A factor a court must consider in parenting decisions.
Start a file online in about seven minutes, or ask a lawyer first. Flat, published fees.