Facing a divorce can be overwhelming. You have too much to do and not enough emotional energy to do it all. But knowing some of what to expect financially at least can help you manage your expectations and the sense of pressure you’re under. Here are some of the basic and not-so-basic costs of getting divorced in Canada.
Basic Costs of Getting Divorced in Canada
Court fees vary across Canada for the different provinces and territories. According to the Ministry of the Attorney General, Ontario court fees are $447. The first payment ($167) is due when the application for divorce is filed, and the additional fees are paid before the court reviews the case. Of course, this isn’t the only cost you’ll have to contend with.
Beyond Filing Fees
There’s more to the costs of divorce than just the fees for completing the paperwork. Yahoo Finance reports that, according to a recent survey by Canadian Lawyer, an uncontested divorce can cost, in total, between $1,006 and $2,547, with the average being $1,353, while a contested divorce can cost anywhere from $7,208 to $74,122, averaging around $12,875. Those numbers don’t include disbursements (such as court filing fees and process serving), so you’re looking at adding a few hundred dollars on top of the estimates above (at least the $447 worth of basic court fees plus miscellaneous additional costs). Then there are the fees for appraisals and audits, mediation, and, ultimately, the cost of whatever assets you lose in the split.
Having a good lawyer who knows the system, can expedite the process, and will present a good case when things get messy can save you money as well as heartache. The emotional costs of divorce are always high, and the financial burden can be daunting, but a good lawyer can help to minimize both.
We Can Be There for You.
Our office is experienced at providing legal assistance to families going through the challenges of the divorce process in Southern Ontario. We know that the results in court have lasting repercussions for your entire life, not just your finances, and we strive to do our utmost to help you move beyond these challenges.
Galbraith Family Law is a certified Collaborative Practice and has been named the top firm in Barrie multiple times. Our legal insights have also been featured in the Globe and Mail, as well as Lawyers Weekly.
Contact us to schedule a consultation.
