- Best interests of the child
- 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.
- Case conference
- The first court appearance in a defended family case, before a judge, to identify issues, check disclosure and set a schedule. Read the answer ›
- Certificate of divorce
- The document proving a divorce took effect, requested from the court after the 31-day waiting period passes. Usually what is needed for remarriage or a name change. Read the answer ›
- Consent order
- A court order made on terms both spouses agree to, inside an existing court case, with the same enforceability as an order made after trial.
- Corollary relief
- Support and parenting terms that can be included in a divorce order alongside the divorce itself, under the Divorce Act.
- Decision-making responsibility
- Authority over significant decisions about a child — health, education, culture, religion and major activities. Replaced 'custody' in the Divorce Act in 2021. Read the answer ›
- Domestic contract
- The Family Law Act's umbrella term for marriage contracts, cohabitation agreements, separation agreements and similar family agreements. Read the answer ›
- Equalization payment
- The payment that equalizes married spouses' growth in net worth during the marriage. A payment, not a division of specific assets. Read the answer ›
- Exclusive possession
- A court order giving one spouse the sole right to live in the matrimonial home, considering the children, finances and any history of violence. Does not transfer ownership.
- Family violence
- 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.
- Financial disclosure
- Giving complete, accurate and up-to-date information about income, assets and debts. A continuing duty under the Divorce Act, not a one-time exchange. Read the answer ›
- Financial statement
- The sworn court form disclosing income, expenses, assets and debts: Form 13 for support-only claims, Form 13.1 where property or the home is claimed.
- Interim order
- A temporary order made before trial, based on the evidence available at the time, meant to hold arrangements steady rather than decide the final outcome. Read the answer ›
- Material change in circumstances
- A significant change since a support or parenting order or agreement was made — most often income, needs or the parenting schedule — needed to vary it later.
- Matrimonial home
- A property ordinarily occupied by married spouses as their family residence at separation. Both spouses have equal possession rights regardless of title. Read the answer ›
- Motion
- A request asking a judge to decide a specific issue, often on an interim basis, while the rest of a family case continues.
- Net family property
- A married spouse's assets less debts on the valuation date, minus the same on the date of marriage, with certain property excluded. Read the answer ›
- Parenting time
- 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.
- Separation
- 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. Read the answer ›
- Separation agreement
- A domestic contract settling parenting, support and property between separated spouses. Must be written, signed and witnessed to be enforceable. Read the answer ›
- Settlement conference
- A conference, usually with a different judge, focused on exploring settlement directly and giving a non-binding view of likely outcomes. Read the answer ›
- Trial management conference
- The final conference before trial, setting the trial date, the issues to be decided and the witnesses to be called.
- Uncontested divorce
- A divorce where both spouses want it and the other issues are already settled, decided on paper without either spouse attending court in person. Read the answer ›
- Valuation date
- The date property and debts are valued for equalization — usually the date spouses separate with no reasonable prospect of resuming cohabitation. Read the answer ›
Ready when you are.
Start a file online in about seven minutes, or ask a lawyer first. Flat, published fees.