⚖️ Divorce Separation Lawyer Sudbury ON

An uncontested divorce in Ontario typically takes three to six months from the time all paperwork is filed with the court. Contested divorces — where parties disagree on issues like property, support, or custody — can take significantly longer, sometimes one to two years. We work to resolve matters as efficiently as possible, including through negotiation and mediation before resorting to litigation.

Separation occurs the moment you and your spouse begin living apart with the intention of ending the marriage — no court order or paperwork is required. You can be legally separated while still legally married. Divorce is the formal legal dissolution of the marriage, granted by a court. You must be separated for at least one year before a divorce can be granted in Ontario unless adultery or physical or mental cruelty is established.

Not necessarily. Many divorces in Ontario are completed through a desk order process without either party appearing before a judge. If both spouses agree on all terms — property division, support, parenting — we can prepare a joint divorce application that is reviewed by the court on paper. Contested matters require court appearances, but we explore negotiated settlement options first.

Yes. If your spouse refuses to participate in divorce proceedings, you can proceed with a divorce application on your own after you have been separated for one year. The court can grant the divorce even without your spouse's cooperation. We guide you through the unilateral process so you are not held hostage by an uncooperative spouse.

Ontario's Family Law Act governs property division. Generally, spouses share equally in the increase in net worth during the marriage — this is called equalization of net family property. There are important exceptions for inherited assets, gifts, and property owned before the marriage. We review your full financial picture and ensure you receive your fair entitlement under Ontario law.