Legal Resources

This fact sheet provides general information about getting a divorce in Canada under the federal Divorce Act. This act applies when at least one spouse has resided in a Canadian province or territory for at least one year before they apply for a divorce.

When their relationship ends, spouses are presumed to keep property they brought into the relationship and to share in property they acquired during their relationship. The same goes for debt.

If you and your spouse agree on the issues of parenting, support, and property, there is a fast-track way to get a divorce. You can apply for a “desk-order divorce.”

Provides information about who will move out when a couple separates. Learn your rights when deciding who goes and who stays — and how to enforce the decision. It also covers information about renting. Find out your next steps, and the answers to some common questions.

The Federal Child Support Tables were updated in 2017 to reflect more recent tax rules. The updated tables came into effect on November 22, 2017. Both 2011 and 2017 tables are provided here.

You may want to change your legal name because you’re getting married, because you’re getting divorced, or just because you feel like it. Learn what’s involved in changing your name.

Explains what is expected of you and what instructions to follow if you bring your own application for leave to appeal or if you’ve been named as a respondent on an application for leave to appeal. Includes information about getting started, guides, and forms.

A package of forms for when you’re applying to waive court fees in Supreme Court, whether it’s for civil or family issues.

A 14-page memo from the court written for SRLs going to trial for a civil or family case. It outlines the court’s sitting schedule, courtroom etiquette, stages of a trial, what goes into an opening statement, how to present evidence, and how to question witnesses.

An overview of witness basics, including information on preparing your witnesses and questioning your witnesses. This guide also introduces concepts like cross-examinations and hearsay.