How to Cut Uncontested Divorce Costs in Ontario
How to Cut Uncontested Divorce Costs in Ontario without Hidden Fees
Even if Your Situation Feels Complicated
The cheapest option for divorce in Ontario is a simple uncontested divorce where both parties agree on all terms, keeping legal and court fees to a minimum.
Costs can be reduced even further by opting for DIY filing if your case is straightforward.
Yes, you may apply to waive court fees if your household income is low or if you receive government assistance like Ontario Works.
This helps make the divorce process more accessible for individuals in financial hardship.
Mediation is not required for an uncontested divorce, but it can help couples resolve any lingering disagreements before filing.
It’s an excellent option to consider if you want to maintain an amicable relationship throughout the process.
An uncontested divorce is less expensive and faster since both parties agree on key issues, unlike a contested divorce, which involves disputes that go to court.
Contested divorces can cost upwards of $15,000 due to legal battles and prolonged litigation.
Hidden fees can arise from serving documents, hiring a process server, or obtaining a divorce certificate, typically costing an additional $24.
To avoid surprises, make sure to inquire about all potential costs upfront, especially if your spouse is hard to reach.
If your spouse doesn’t respond within 30 days (or 60 if outside Canada), the divorce is considered uncontested.
In this case, the court will proceed without requiring their input, making the process quicker.
An uncontested divorce in Ontario typically takes 4 to 6 months to finalize.
This time frame may vary depending on how quickly you can submit all the necessary paperwork and whether the court has any backlogs.
Yes, you can file for an uncontested divorce without a lawyer, but it’s important to ensure all paperwork is properly completed.
While a DIY approach is possible, many people choose to have a lawyer review their documents to avoid delays or mistakes.
Court fees for an uncontested divorce in Ontario are $669, split into two payments.
The first payment of $224 is made when filing, and $445 is paid later when scheduling the hearing.
Typically, an uncontested divorce in Ontario costs between $1,500 and $3,000, including court and legal fees.
Uncontested divorces are generally less expensive since both parties agree on key issues, avoiding lengthy court proceedings.
Ken Maynard CDFA, Acc.FM
I assist intelligent and successful couples in navigating the Divorce Industrial Complex by crafting rapid, custom separation agreements that pave the way for a smooth transition towards a secure future. This efficient process is achieved in about four meetings, effectively sidestepping the excessive conflicts, confusion, and costs commonly linked to legal proceedings. Clients have the flexibility to collaborate with me either via video conference or in-person through a DTSW associate at any of our six Greater Toronto mediation centers, located in Aurora, Barrie, North York, Vaughan, Mississauga, and Scarborough.
