Uncontested Divorce in Ontario

Uncontested Divorce in Ontario: Everything You Need to Know (Without the Headache)

Uncontested? Sounds Nice… But What Does It Really Mean?

Let’s be honest: the word divorce usually brings up a pretty bleak mental image. Courtrooms. Lawyers glaring across the table. Someone crying in the hallway. And legal bills so high they make your head spin.

But what if we told you that’s not always how it goes?

Enter the uncontested divorce. It’s not glamorous, and it still takes effort, but it’s a whole lot smoother than the alternative. If you and your ex are mostly on the same page — or at least not actively at war — this might be the smartest, cleanest route out of a marriage that’s run its course.

At GTA Divorce, we help folks all over Ontario go through uncontested divorces without the drama (and without emptying their wallets). So, let’s walk through what it actually looks like, how long it takes, and whether it’s the right option for you.

What Makes a Divorce ‘Uncontested’ in Ontario?

An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on the big stuff. You don’t have to like each other. You don’t have to be friends. But legally speaking, you’re not in a tug-of-war over:

Division of property
Spousal support
Child custody and parenting time
Child support

If nobody is challenging the application — or both of you are signing off on the same terms — then it’s uncontested.

Some folks think “uncontested” means “painless.” Not quite. It’s more like saying, “We’re not fighting — we’re just ending something together.”

Still, that makes a world of difference compared to contested divorces, which can drag on for months (or years), involve courtroom appearances, and pile on legal costs.

Wait, Is This the Same as a Joint Divorce?

Great question — and no, not exactly. In Ontario, there are two ways to file for an uncontested divorce:

Joint Divorce Application:
You and your ex file together. You’re both in sync on everything from the get-go.
Sole Application, Uncontested:
One person files. The other doesn’t respond (meaning they’re not fighting it), and there’s no legal disagreement.

Either way, there’s no argument being played out in court — that’s the key.

Do You Need a Lawyer for an Uncontested Divorce?

Technically? No. You can file on your own.

But — and this is a big but — the paperwork must be precise. Even small errors can get your application rejected. And if you’ve got kids, property, or support payments involved? You really want to make sure everything’s legally airtight.

Honestly, this is where most DIY divorces go sideways. A bunch of confusing forms, legal language that makes your eyes glaze over, and timelines that are easy to miss.

That’s why a flat-fee lawyer can be a game-changer. At GTA Divorce, we offer predictable pricing and experienced legal help so you don’t get stuck halfway through the process.

How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Ontario?

Okay — timelines. Everyone wants to know how long this will take. Let’s break it down:

Separation Period:
You must be separated for at least one full year. You can live in the same house, but you have to be living “separate lives.”
Filing and Serving:
Once you file, you need to serve your spouse (if it’s not a joint filing). Then there’s a 30-day waiting period for a response — or no response, if they’re not contesting.
Court Processing:
The court reviews everything — and this is the slow part. It can take 4–8 weeks, depending on your region.
Final Divorce Order:
Once granted, you wait another 31 days for it to become final.

Total time? If everything goes smoothly, around 3–6 months after filing.

So, What’s the Actual Process?

Here’s how it generally works:

Step One: Confirm You’re Eligible
You’ve lived in Ontario for at least a year? Separated for one full year? Cool — you’re good to go.
Step Two: File the Application
Joint or sole — either way, you fill out the forms and file them with the Ontario Superior Court.
Step Three: Serve Your Spouse (if needed)
If it’s not a joint application, you must deliver the documents legally — and prove you did it.
Step Four: Submit Additional Docs
Think financial disclosures, affidavits, parenting agreements (if applicable).
Step Five: Wait for the Judge
The court reviews everything and grants the divorce if all checks out.
Step Six: Receive Final Certificate
Boom — your divorce is final 31 days after the order.

Feeling overwhelmed already? You’re not alone — book a free consultation and we’ll help map it all out for you.

Virtual Divorce? Yup, That’s a Thing Now

You don’t need to leave your home to get divorced. For real.

We offer fully virtual services — Zoom consultations, digital filing, e-signatures. So whether you’re in Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, Ottawa, or some tiny town with one Tim Hortons and no courthouse… we’ve got you covered.

It’s why GTA Divorce is trusted across the entire Greater Toronto Area. We’re basically always “nearby,” because we’re wherever you are.

How Much Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost in Ontario?

Here’s the straight talk:

Court filing fee: $669 in total
DIY kits or paralegals: Cheaper, but riskier
Lawyer-assisted flat rate: Around $799–$1,200, all-in

At GTA Divorce, we offer flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees — and we guarantee the lowest price in Ontario. That means you get legal support without bleeding money.

When an Uncontested Divorce Becomes Contested…

It happens. You start out in agreement, then one person changes their mind halfway through. Maybe about money. Maybe about the kids.

If that happens, the court shifts gears — and now you’re in contested territory. It means longer timelines, possible hearings, and yes, more legal costs.

But we’re here for that too. If your uncontested divorce gets messy, we’ll help you handle the curveball.

Keep It Simple. But Not Risky.

Here’s the thing: uncontested divorces can be relatively straightforward. But they’re still legal proceedings. And doing them wrong can cost you time, money, and peace of mind.

Whether you’re 100% on the same page with your ex or just trying to avoid a courtroom battle, getting help from professionals who know the Ontario system inside and out is worth it.

Let’s keep it simple — but not sloppy.

👉 Book your free consultation now
👉 Check out our transparent pricing
👉 Reach out anytime

Handy Resources

Here are some official links to help you out:

Family court website
Government website
Child support agreements
Parenting arrangements
Spousal support
Dividing property
MySupportCalculator.ca