A Step-by-Step Guide to a Straightforward Divorce in Ontario

Your Path to Peaceful Separation with Divorce is Simple

Divorce is a major life transition, but it doesn’t have to be messy, costly, or combative. At Divorce is Simple, we offer comprehensive packages that guide you through every legal and emotional stage of the process — with compassion, professionalism, and clarity.

Whether you're recently separated or already navigating discussions with your former partner, our step-by-step process is designed to help you achieve a legally sound, low-conflict resolution.

Step 1: Sign On with Divorce is Simple

Your journey begins when you choose to work with us. After a brief intake process, we match you with a team that includes a mediator, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA), and access to in-house family lawyers.

We work with both spouses together to promote cooperation and efficiency. Our role is to simplify the process, help you avoid court, and

reduce stress through professional guidance and mediation.

Step 2: Complete Financial Disclosure

Under Ontario family law, both parties must provide full and honest financial disclosure before a separation agreement can be considered fair and legally binding. This step is essential whether or not you have significant assets.

You will each complete a Form 13 or Form 13.1 Financial Statement, depending on whether spousal or child support is being claimed. These forms outline:

• Income (including employment, investments, etc.)

• Assets (real estate, RRSPs, vehicles, etc.)

• Debts and liabilities

• Monthly expenses

We support you in gathering this information and ensure that everything is accurately and thoroughly documented.

Step 3: Meet with a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA)

Our CDFA helps you understand how your financial disclosure translates into real-life decisions.

We’ll look at:

• Division of property (equalization of net family property)

• Impact of spousal support

• Long-term financial planning (especially for retirement or post-separation budgeting)

• Tax considerations, especially around support payments, property transfers, and RRSPs

This session empowers both parties to make informed, future-focused decisions during mediation.

Step 4: Participate in Mediation Sessions (Up to Four)

Mediation is where we begin crafting your custom separation agreement. Our accredited mediators guide discussions in a neutral, respectful environment where both voices are heard.

Over the course of four 1–2 hour sessions, you’ll work through:

• Parenting arrangements (including decision-making, parenting schedules, holidays, etc.)

• Child support, calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines

• Spousal support, if applicable (using the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines)

• Division of property and debts based on Ontario’s equalization rules

We work to resolve disagreements, promote fair solutions, and keep things on track — without court intervention.

Step 5: Independent Legal Advice (ILA) from Our In-House Lawyers

Once the separation agreement has been drafted, each party meets separately with one of our in-house family lawyers to obtain Independent Legal Advice.

This is a critical legal safeguard. In Ontario, courts are more likely to uphold a separation agreement if:

• Both parties had ILA from separate lawyers

• Financial disclosure was full and accurate

• Neither party felt pressured or coerced

Our lawyers review the agreement, explain your rights and obligations, and ensure that the terms are legally sound and in your best interest.

Step 6: Exit Session with the Mediator

After legal reviews are complete, you’ll attend one final meeting with your mediator. This exit session confirms that both parties are satisfied with the agreement and fully understand its terms.

If there are any small changes needed, we’ll make them at this stage.

Step 7: Sign the Separation Agreement

Once everything is finalized, both parties sign the separation agreement. In Ontario, a signed separation agreement is legally binding, and can be enforced like a court order if necessary.

You now have:

• A clear parenting plan

• Support terms you both understand

• Division of property resolved

• Peace of mind moving forward

Step 8: File for Divorce (One Year from Date of Separation)

In Ontario, you can apply for a divorce once you've been separated for at least one full year — even if you’ve continued living under the same roof.

As part of our full-service package, we’ll:

• Prepare and file your Application for Divorce (Form 8A) with the Ontario Superior Court

• Include your signed separation agreement as evidence of settled matters

• Submit required supporting forms (e.g., Form 36: Affidavit for Divorce)

Once processed, you’ll receive a Divorce Order, and 31 days later, your Certificate of Divorce — completing the process legally.

Why Our Approach Works

Our process is built around:

• Transparency: You always know where you stand legally and financially

• Efficiency: Most families complete the process in under six months (excluding the one-year wait for divorce)

• Affordability: Fixed-fee packages mean no surprises

• Human-centred support: We meet you with empathy — not bureaucracy

Let’s Keep It Simple

At Divorce is Simple, we believe that separation doesn't have to mean conflict. Our goal is to help you move forward with dignity, fairness, and legal clarity — without the courtroom drama.

Book a free consultation today to learn more about how we can help.

For more information on how our comprehensive divorce packages work, or to book a free call, visit divorceissimple.ca.

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Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance, please consult a qualified family lawyer. This is not intended to be used as advice.

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