How LONG DOES IT  TAKE TO GET A DIVORCE?

 

*The information provided below does not constitute legal advice and is only applicable to situations

governed by the law of Ontario. You must contact a lawyer for advice relevant to your circumstances.​


How long does it take to get a divorce?

  1. The most common grounds for divorce is having lived separate and apart for one year. As such, it normally takes a little over a year to be divorced.

  2. In certain circumstances, a divorce may be obtained more quickly. Adultery and cruelty are expedited grounds that may entitle a spouse to a divorce earlier than one year, but divorce on such grounds is more difficult and costly to obtain than the ground of living separate and apart for one year, as the party must prove cruelty or adultery if the other spouse will not admit the same.

  3. Courts will also want to ensure that adequate provisions for child support are made before granting a divorce.

  4. It is important to note that spouses may live “separate and apart” while under the same roof. Spouses are considered separated when one spouse has clearly indicated to the other that they consider the marriage to be over and proceeds to live independently, even if remaining in the same residence.​