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Ministry of Justice

How long does it usually take to get a divorce?

There is no one answer to this question.

The time it takes to get a divorce depends on a number of issues.

A divorce is relatively easy to get if your reason for the divorce is that you have been separated for a year or more and:

  • you both agree that you want a divorce, and you are not asking the court to settle any other issues, such as custody, access or support (this is usually called an "uncontested" divorce), or
  • you both agree that you want a divorce and agree on all other details, such as custody and support (this is called a "joint divorce action"), or
  • you alone are asking for a divorce and for the court to settle other issues, such as custody and support, and your spouse does not dispute the divorce or any of the issues.

A divorce is more complicated to get if your reason for the divorce is cruelty or adultery or your spouse decides to dispute the divorce or any other issues. This is often called a “defended” divorce.

The court cannot proceed with a divorce until it receives a clearance certificate from the Central Registry of Divorce Proceedings in Ottawa. It can take up to six weeks to receive the certificate.

Your divorce is automatically final 31 days after the court grants you a divorce order. You can re-marry only after the 31-day period has passed.