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.
Short answer: no. Ontario doesn’t require a lawyer for an uncontested divorce. You can prepare and file the forms yourself. Whether you should depends on your situation and your comfort with court paperwork.
When a DIY uncontested divorce can work
Doing it yourself may be reasonable if:
- you have no children;
- you have no property, debts or pensions to divide (or you’ve already divided them);
- neither of you is claiming spousal support; and
- you’re comfortable following court instructions carefully.
You’ll pay only the $669 in court fees.
The risks of going without a lawyer
- Returned applications. Missing details, inconsistent dates or an improperly sworn affidavit commonly send files back, sometimes adding months.
- Child support problems. The judge must be satisfied that child support is reasonable under the Federal Child Support Guidelines. Getting this wrong stalls your divorce.
- Lost property rights. A divorce doesn’t divide property. Equalization claims must generally be made within two years after the divorce or six years after separation, whichever comes first.
- Stress. Learning court procedure during an emotional time is hard.
Your options
| Option | What you get | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| DIY | Court forms and guides | $669 court fees |
| Online form service | Documents generated from your answers | Low, varies |
| Flat-fee law firm (documents) | Lawyer-prepared documents; you file | e.g. $399 + HST |
| Flat-fee law firm (complete) | Prepared, filed and managed for you | e.g. $599 + HST |
| Hourly family lawyer | Full representation | Often thousands |
When you should definitely speak to a lawyer
- You and your spouse disagree about parenting, support or property.
- There’s family violence or you feel unsafe.
- There are significant assets, a business or pensions to divide.
- Your spouse has a lawyer and you don’t.
The middle ground: a flat-fee law firm
Easy Path Divorce is a service of Momal Mansoor Law Professional Corporation, a law firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario. Because we focus on uncontested cases, we offer lawyer-prepared documents for a flat fee, far less than hourly billing:
- Divorce application preparation: $399 + HST
- Complete uncontested divorce in Ontario: $599 + HST
If we spot something that makes your case unsuitable, we’ll tell you before you pay. For the full process, see the uncontested divorce step-by-step guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I file an uncontested divorce myself in Ontario?
Yes. Ontario does not require a lawyer. You can prepare and file the forms yourself and pay only the court fees. The main risk is errors that cause the court to return your application.
What is the difference between hiring a lawyer and an online divorce service?
Online form services generate documents from your answers but generally can't give legal advice. A law firm can advise on your situation, spot problems, and take responsibility for the documents.
When should I definitely talk to a lawyer?
If you disagree about parenting, support or property, if there is family violence, if there are significant assets or pensions, or if your spouse has a lawyer.
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.