The Divorce Act is federal legislation for divorce, while the Family Law Act is provincial legislation covering broader family matters

These two important pieces of legislation serve different but complementary purposes in Canadian family law. The Divorce Act is federal legislation that specifically governs divorce proceedings and related matters across Canada. The Family Law Act is provincial legislation that addresses a wider scope of family issues.

• The Divorce Act covers:
  • Divorce applications and grounds for divorce
  • Custody and access arrangements for married couples
  • Spousal and child support for divorcing couples
• The Family Law Act covers:
  • Property division and family assets
  • Rights of common-law partners
  • Child custody for unmarried parents
  • Support obligations for all family relationships
  • Domestic contracts and agreements