The Divorce Act is federal legislation that governs divorce proceedings and related matters across Canada

The Divorce Act establishes the legal framework for ending marriages in Canada, setting national standards for divorce proceedings and related issues. This federal law works alongside provincial family laws to ensure consistent divorce processes nationwide.

The Act covers several key areas:

  • Grounds for divorce, primarily based on marriage breakdown through separation of at least one year
  • Child-related matters, including custody, access, and support obligations
  • Spousal support determinations and enforcement
  • Jurisdiction rules for divorce proceedings across provinces and territories
  • Recognition of foreign divorces and international arrangements

Courts must consider the best interests of children when making decisions under the Act, particularly regarding parenting arrangements and support obligations. Recent updates to the Act have modernized its language and approach to better reflect contemporary Canadian family dynamics.