Looking for help? Easy Path Divorce offers flat-fee services for uncontested divorce in Ontario. We prepare, file and manage your uncontested divorce for $599 + HST.
“How long will this take?” is the question we hear most. For an uncontested divorce in Ontario, many are granted roughly 2 to 4 months after filing, but the full timeline depends on your separation date, the type of application, and the court.
The uncontested divorce timeline at a glance
| Stage | Joint application | Sole application |
|---|---|---|
| Prepare documents | 1–2 weeks | 1–2 weeks |
| File and have the application issued | Days to weeks | Days to weeks |
| Serve your spouse | Not needed | Days to weeks |
| Response period | None | 30 days (60 if outside Canada/U.S.) |
| Set down and judge’s review | Weeks to a few months | Weeks to a few months |
| Divorce takes effect | 31 days after order | 31 days after order |
Don’t forget the one-year separation period
The divorce can’t be granted until you’ve been separated for at least a year, but you can file earlier. If you separated eight months ago, starting the paperwork now means the divorce can be granted shortly after the one-year mark instead of months later. See living separate and apart in Ontario.
Why is my uncontested divorce taking so long?
If your divorce feels stuck, it’s usually one of these:
- The court returned your documents. Mismatched dates, missing information, or an affidavit that wasn’t properly sworn means fixing and resubmitting.
- Child support questions. The judge must be satisfied that support is reasonable. Vague details cause delays.
- Service problems. In a sole application, a spouse who’s hard to find slows everything down.
- Missing marriage certificate. Replacements take time to order.
- Court backlogs. Some courthouses are simply busier than others.
The 31-day waiting period
Once a judge signs your divorce order, it becomes effective on the 31st day, unless there’s an appeal. Only then can you get a certificate of divorce or remarry.
How to speed up your uncontested divorce
- File jointly if your spouse will sign.
- Order your marriage certificate early.
- Start the paperwork before the year is up.
- Get your documents checked before filing, so they aren’t returned.
- Answer court requests quickly.
Uncontested vs contested timelines
A contested divorce, where a judge must resolve disputes, commonly takes one to three years or more. That’s one of the biggest reasons to resolve issues first. See contested vs uncontested divorce.
Get it done efficiently
Our uncontested divorce in Ontario service prepares your documents correctly the first time and manages your file with the court, so avoidable delays don’t hold you up.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an uncontested divorce take in Ontario?
After filing, many uncontested divorces are granted in about 2 to 4 months, though court processing times vary. You also need one year of separation before the divorce is granted, and the divorce takes effect 31 days after the order.
Why is my uncontested divorce taking so long?
Common reasons are a busy courthouse, the court returning your documents for corrections, missing child support information, or problems serving your spouse.
Is a joint uncontested divorce faster?
Usually. A joint application skips service and the 30-day response period, so it can go to a judge right after filing.
Uncontested Divorce Ontario: We prepare, file and manage your uncontested divorce for $599 + HST.
See our uncontested divorce serviceThis article is general legal information for Ontario residents, not legal advice about your situation. Laws, court forms and fees change; contact us to confirm how they apply to you.