Looking for help? Easy Path Divorce offers flat-fee services for simple divorce in Ontario. Flat-fee simple divorce for Ontario residents, from $399.
A simple divorce is the most affordable way to end a marriage in Ontario, but “simple” doesn’t mean free. There are government court fees everyone pays, possible third-party costs, and professional fees that depend on how much help you want. Here’s the full picture for 2026.
1. Court fees for a simple divorce
Every Ontario divorce pays the same court fees, whether you do it yourself or hire a lawyer:
| Court fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing the divorce application ($214 Ontario fee + $10 federal fee) | $224 |
| Setting the case down for a judge | $445 |
| Total court fees | $669 |
| Divorce certificate (optional, after the divorce) | $25 |
If you have a low income or receive Ontario Works or ODSP, you may qualify for a court fee waiver, which waives the provincial fees. The $10 federal fee still applies. For more detail, see divorce application fees in Ontario.
2. Process server (simple divorces only)
In a simple divorce, your spouse must be personally served by someone other than you. Most people hire a process server. Prices vary by location and how easy your spouse is to find; serving someone outside Canada costs more. A joint divorce avoids this cost entirely.
3. Other possible costs
- Replacement marriage certificate if you can’t find yours.
- Certified translation if your marriage certificate isn’t in English or French.
- Commissioning your affidavit (swearing it before a commissioner for taking affidavits), which may be included if a lawyer prepares your documents.
4. Professional fees: your options
| Option | What you get | Typical professional cost |
|---|---|---|
| Do it yourself | Court forms and instructions | $0 |
| Online form service | Forms generated from your answers, usually no legal review | Low, varies |
| Flat-fee law firm (Easy Path Divorce) | Lawyer-prepared, reviewed documents | $399 + HST (documents) or $599 + HST (complete) |
| Hourly family lawyer | Full representation, billed by the hour | Often a few thousand dollars |
What does a simple divorce cost in total?
| Route | Professional fee | Court fees | Total (before HST and extras) |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY | $0 | $669 | $669 |
| Easy Path Documentation | $399 | $669 | $1,068 |
| Easy Path Complete | $599 | $669 | $1,268 |
Is a cheap simple divorce worth the risk?
Doing it yourself saves money, but returned applications are common. Mismatched dates, missing child support information or an improperly sworn affidavit can send your file back and add weeks or months. If you have children, the judge must be satisfied with your child support arrangements, which is one of the most common sticking points.
A flat-fee service is the middle ground: your documents are prepared correctly the first time, for a known price.
How to keep your simple divorce affordable
- Agree on the issues first, ideally in a written separation agreement.
- Consider a joint divorce to avoid process server costs.
- Order your marriage certificate early.
- Check whether you qualify for a fee waiver.
Ready to see your exact price? Learn about our simple divorce in Ontario service or start your application for a free eligibility check.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to get a simple divorce in Ontario?
Doing it yourself costs only the $669 in court fees, plus a process server for a simple application. If you qualify for a fee waiver, the court fees can drop to the $10 federal fee. The trade-off is the risk of errors and delays.
How much is a simple divorce lawyer in Ontario?
Hourly lawyers commonly charge a few thousand dollars even for simple cases. Flat-fee services are much lower. Easy Path Divorce charges $399 plus HST for document preparation or $599 plus HST for a complete divorce.
Are there hidden costs in a simple divorce?
Possible extras are a process server to serve your spouse, a certified translation of a foreign marriage certificate, a replacement marriage certificate, and the optional $25 divorce certificate.
Simple Divorce Ontario: Flat-fee simple divorce for Ontario residents, from $399.
Start your simple divorceThis 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.