Divorce & separation
Last reviewed March 2024 by the Clicklaw editors
Divorce is the legal process of ending a marriage. To get divorced, you must have been separated for a year.
You and your spouse are separated as soon as you start living apart, and you can be separated while still living in the same house. There is no formal process for separation. If you want to write a separation agreement you can, but it’s not required.
Explore the links below to reliable online guides and tools and to organizations in BC. They have been chosen by librarians at Courthouse Libraries BC.
Selected resources
Click on a topic to see a list of resources.
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Going Through Separation
Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Describes separation in BC and gives information on mediation, what to take with you when you separate, and how to prove you’re separated if you have to keep living with your ex-spouse.
Last reviewed March 2024
Living Together or Living Apart: Common-Law Relationships, Marriage, Separation, and Divorce
Legal Aid BC
Explains the basics of family law in BC. Includes information about why you might want an agreement for living together, and how to write one; what to do if you decide to separate or divorce; how to sort out money matters and work out parenting arrangements; and how the court process works.
Last reviewed August 2026
Separation and Divorce
Supreme Court BC (Justice Education Society)
This guidebook has general information about separating and getting a divorce. It is intended for separating couples who can reach an agreement without a trial, and also to those who require a judge to settle a disputes.
Last reviewed August 2026
Agreements
Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
General information about making a separation agreement to cover how you’re going to deal with parenting, property, child and spousal support, and other family issues. Also discusses cohabitation or marriage agreements while you’re living together.
Last reviewed August 2026
Do Your Own Uncontested Divorce
Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Online step-by-step guide to getting a divorce in BC if you both agree about how to deal with your parenting, support, and property and debt issues. Includes links to blank forms you’ll need and instructions about filing them at the registry.
Last reviewed August 2026
Online Divorce Assistant Application (e-Divorce App)
Government of British Columbia
This online app helps people complete documentation for joint-filing divorces in the Supreme Court of BC in cases with or without children. Joint-filed divorces are where both applicants agree on all family law issues relevant to their situation, such as spousal support and the division of property.
Last reviewed March 2024
JP Boyd on Family Law: How Do I Get My Certificate of Divorce?
John-Paul Boyd, KC
This page explains why and how to obtain your divorce certificate.
Last reviewed January 2025
JP Boyd on Family Law: How Do I Change My Name after Marriage or Divorce?
John-Paul Boyd, KC
Explains the differences between using an alias and legally changing your name, if you have to apply to the court to change your name when you marry or divorce, and the steps for doing so.
Last reviewed April 2024
Getting a Divorce
Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Describes contested and uncontested divorces in BC and explains how laws in other countries might affect the process. Also includes step-by-step guides on how to do your own divorce without going to court.
Last reviewed March 2024
Information for All Types of Provincial Court Cases
Provincial Court of British Columbia
Information about preparing for different types of cases in Provincial Court and appearing in court including tips about dress, food, and electronic devices; legal terms; courtroom layout; and the people you will see in a courthouse.
Last reviewed August 2026
JP Boyd on Family Law: Family Law Agreements
John-Paul Boyd, KC
This chapter provides an overview of family law agreements and covers cohabitation agreements, marriage agreements, and separation agreements in more detail, with additional information about enforcing and changing agreements.
Last reviewed August 2026
JP Boyd on Family Law: Resolving Family Law Problems out of Court
John-Paul Boyd, KC
This chapter provides an overview of alternatives to court for family law issues: collaborative processes, mediation, arbitration, and parenting coordination.
Last reviewed August 2026
JP Boyd on Family Law: Resolving Family Law Problems in Court
John-Paul Boyd, KC
This chapter provides an overview of the process for starting and replying to proceedings in Provincial Court and Supreme Court. Includes information about case conferences, interim orders, enforcing orders, and changing final orders.
Last reviewed August 2026
Family Law Handbook for Self-Represented Litigants
Canadian Judicial Council
A general reference for self-represented litigants appearing in Canadian courts. Includes SRL’s rights and responsibilities, family law basics, resolving disputes out of court, legal research and writing, court processes, family violence, and more. Also provides a list of Canadian and BC resources.
Last reviewed July 2026