Legal Process

Divorce Court Forms in Canada: A Province by Province Guide

Facts checked against official sources on September 30, 2026

Find the right divorce court forms for your province. Covers Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, with links to their official forms.

Province

See every stage of divorce in Ontario

Knowing what to expect removes some of the uncertainty. Here is what you need to know about the court forms required in your province. For a broader overview of the process, see our guide to understanding the divorce process.

One of the most daunting aspects of navigating the family law system is dealing with court forms. Each province has its own set of forms, each with its own numbering system, purpose, and requirements. Filling out the wrong form, missing a required form, or completing a form incorrectly can lead to delays, additional costs, and frustration. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the key court forms used in family law proceedings in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta.

While the specific forms differ by province, the general categories of information they require are similar across the country. You will typically need to provide personal details about yourself and your spouse, information about your children, a description of the issues you want the court to resolve, detailed financial information including income, assets, and debts, and your proposed resolution for each issue. Accuracy and completeness are critical, as the information in your court forms will be used by the judge and the other party's lawyer to understand your case.

Court forms require sworn statements. Providing false or misleading information on a court form is a serious matter that can result in penalties, adverse findings, or even contempt of court. Always be truthful and thorough when completing your forms.

Ontario Court Forms

Ontario uses a numbered form system for family court proceedings. These forms are prescribed under the Family Law Rules and are available through the Ontario Court Forms website. Most forms can be completed electronically and then printed for filing. Below is a comprehensive guide to the most commonly used forms in Ontario family law proceedings.

Form Number	Form Name	Purpose
Form 8	Application (General)	The primary form used to start most family law proceedings. Used when seeking orders related to decision making responsibility, parenting time, support, property division, or divorce.
Form 8A	Application (Divorce)	Used specifically to start a divorce application. Includes information about the marriage, grounds for divorce, and any related claims.
Form 6B	Affidavit of Service	Filed to prove that documents have been properly served on the other party. Required whenever documents must be served.
Form 13	Financial Statement (Support Claims)	Detailed financial disclosure form required when support (child or spousal) is at issue. Includes income, expenses, assets, and debts.
Form 13.1	Financial Statement (Property and Support Claims)	More comprehensive financial disclosure form required when both property division and support are at issue. The most detailed financial form.
Form 13A	Certificate of Financial Disclosure	Certifies that you have provided all required financial documents to the other party. Lists each document provided and its date.
Form 14B	Motion Form	Used to bring a motion (a request for a specific order) before the court. Commonly used for temporary orders while the case is ongoing.
Form 17	Conference Notice	Filed to schedule a case conference, settlement conference, or trial management conference with the court.
Form 17A	Case Conference Brief	Your written summary and argument for a case conference. Outlines the issues, your position, and what you are asking the court to consider.
Form 17C	Settlement Conference Brief	Similar to Form 17A but used for a settlement conference. Focuses on settlement proposals and areas of agreement and disagreement.
Form 17E	Trial Management Conference Brief	Used to prepare for trial. Outlines the issues for trial, estimated time, and witnesses to be called.
Form 25A	Divorce Order	The actual order that the court issues to grant the divorce. Prepared by the applicant's lawyer for the judge's signature.
Form 36	Affidavit for Divorce	Sworn statement providing the facts necessary to obtain a divorce, including details about the marriage, separation, and any children.
Form 36A	Certificate of Clerk (Divorce)	Completed by the court clerk confirming that all requirements for the divorce have been met. Part of the final step in obtaining a divorce.

Ontario court forms can be lengthy and detailed. Consider having a lawyer or legal aid clinic review your completed forms before filing. Many community legal clinics offer free document review services for eligible individuals.

Ontario Court Forms Portal

Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General

Guide to Procedures in Family Court

Government of Ontario

If both parties agree on all issues, an uncontested divorce can simplify the forms you need. If you need help from a family lawyer, browse family lawyers across Canada.

General Tips for Completing Court Forms

Before you file, make sure you have:

Identified the correct forms for your province and type of proceeding

Gathered all necessary financial documents (tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, property assessments)

Prepared a detailed list of all assets, debts, income sources, and monthly expenses

Checked that all personal information (names, dates, addresses) is accurate and consistent across all forms

Reviewed each form for completeness before filing, as incomplete forms may be returned

Made copies of all filed forms for your own records

Confirmed the filing fees and acceptable payment methods at your court location

Arranged for proper service of the documents on the other party after filing

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file court forms on my own without a lawyer?

Yes, you have the right to represent yourself in family court (known as being self-represented or a litigant in person). Many people successfully file their own court forms. However, family law can be complex, and even if you prepare the forms yourself, it is advisable to have a lawyer review them before filing to ensure accuracy and completeness.

What happens if I fill out a form incorrectly?

If a form contains errors, the court clerk may return it to you for correction before it is filed. In some cases, you may need to file an amended version. Errors in financial disclosure can have more serious consequences, including adverse inferences by the court. It is better to take extra time to complete forms correctly than to rush and make mistakes.

How much does it cost to file court forms?

Filing fees vary by province and the type of proceeding. For an uncontested divorce, court fees are: in Ontario, $669 (Ontario: Family court fees); in British Columbia, $290, or $120 in total if your separation agreement is already filed with the court (Family Law in BC: Joint application for an uncontested divorce); and in Alberta, $310 (Alberta: Court fees). In BC, a Certificate of Mediation may reduce or waive the filing fee; confirm with the court registry. See every province and territory in our guide to legal fees. Fee waivers may be available for individuals who cannot afford the filing fees.

Can I file forms electronically?

Electronic filing availability varies by province. Alberta requires electronic filing for FL forms. BC offers electronic filing through Court Services Online. Ontario is expanding its electronic filing capabilities, though many forms still need to be filed in person or by mail. Check your province's court website for current e-filing options.

How do I serve court forms on the other party?

Most court documents must be served on the other party according to specific rules. Personal service (hand delivery by someone other than you) is typically required for the initial application. Subsequent documents can often be served by mail, email, or fax depending on the province and the type of document. An Affidavit of Service must then be filed with the court to prove service was completed.

This information is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified family lawyer for advice about your specific situation.

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by province and individual circumstances. Consult a qualified family lawyer for advice specific to your situation.

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