Cairn journal
Divorce
Divorce — plain-language articles to help you understand this part of the Ontario family law process.
How to get divorced without a lawyer in Ontario
You can self-file an uncontested or joint divorce in Ontario without a lawyer. The guided online pathways and Family Law Information Centres handle the procedural side.
Norm Barrette · Jun 12, 2026 · 3 min read
Simple divorce in Ontario - what it means
Simple divorce is the Ontario court term for a Form 8A application asking only for the divorce - no parenting, support, or property claims attached.
Norm Barrette · Jun 12, 2026 · 3 min read
The one-year separation rule for divorce in Ontario
Ontario requires one year of separation before a divorce can be granted. The clock starts the day you live separate and apart, even if still in the same home.
Norm Barrette · Jun 5, 2026 · 2 min read
How much does a divorce cost in Ontario?
Court fees for an uncontested Ontario divorce are about $670 total. Doing it yourself adds little; a contested file runs $7,500 to $35,000 per side.
Norm Barrette · Jun 4, 2026 · 2 min read
The certificate of divorce in Ontario
The certificate of divorce is the document that proves the marriage is legally over - issued 31 days after the divorce order, requested with Form 36B for $25.
Norm Barrette · Jun 4, 2026 · 2 min read
Joint divorce in Ontario
A joint divorce in Ontario is one both spouses apply for together - no service, no response window, three to five months to the order.
Norm Barrette · Jun 1, 2026 · 3 min read
Separation vs divorce in Ontario - what is the difference?
Separation is living apart; divorce is the court order that ends the marriage. Each settles different things. In Ontario they happen at different times.
Norm Barrette · May 31, 2026 · 3 min read
Grounds for divorce in Ontario
The Divorce Act recognizes one ground - marriage breakdown - proved three ways: one year of separation, adultery, or cruelty. Most Ontario divorces use the separation ground.
Norm Barrette · May 30, 2026 · 2 min read
Contested vs uncontested divorce in Ontario
Uncontested Ontario divorce: paperwork only, four to six months, $670. Contested: years and $7,500-$35,000 per side. What is contested is rarely the divorce itself.
Norm Barrette · May 29, 2026 · 3 min read
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