A typical uncontested divorce in Canada takes 3-6 months after filing paperwork, while contested divorces may take 1-2 years.
The timeline for getting divorced in Canada depends primarily on the type of divorce and level of cooperation between spouses. Under the Divorce Act, couples must be separated for at least one year before filing for divorce, with few exceptions.
- Uncontested divorces (where both parties agree) typically take 3-6 months after filing paperwork
- Contested divorces involving disputes over assets, support, or custody can take 1-2 years or longer
- Simplified divorce applications may be processed more quickly when there are no children or property issues
- Processing times vary by province/territory and current court backlogs
Working with a qualified divorce lawyer or mediator can help streamline the process and ensure all documentation is filed correctly. The mandatory one-year separation period can be used to negotiate terms and prepare necessary paperwork.