When a spouse contests a divorce in Ontario, you’ll need to navigate a formal legal process that may lead to mediation or trial.

If your spouse contests your divorce petition in Ontario, several important steps follow. A contested divorce typically requires you to:

• File a formal response to your spouse’s contestation within 30 days
• Attend a mandatory information program about the divorce process
• Participate in a case conference with a judge to identify disputed issues
• Consider working with a divorce mediator to resolve disagreements outside court
• Prepare for trial if mediation is unsuccessful, including gathering evidence and documentation

While contested divorces can be lengthy and costly, alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation or working with a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst often help couples reach agreements more efficiently than going to trial.