# How Much Does a Simple Divorce Cost in Ontario? When people ask how much a divorce costs, what they really mean is: what will this actually cost me in court fees, paperwork, and legal help if my case is fairly simple? Divorce has a reputation for being expensive, but not every case requires tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees. If you and your spouse agree on the major issues, or if there simply aren't many issues to fight about, your costs can be surprisingly manageable. This article breaks down the main costs of a [simple, uncontested divorce](/glossary#letter-s) in Ontario, using numbers from official sources. Your actual costs can be higher or lower depending on your situation. ## Court filing fees Court fees are the easiest costs to predict because they're set by the Ontario government. Family court fees in the Superior Court of Justice Family Court are set by Ontario Regulation 417/95 under the Administration of Justice Act. “As of 2025, the fee to file an application is $214 and the fee to place an application on the list for hearing is $445. Always confirm the latest amounts on the Ontario family court fees page before you file. Those two amounts make up most of the court side of a straightforward divorce. There may be smaller additional fees for things like getting a certified copy of an order or obtaining a [certificate of divorce](/glossary#letter-c). The Ministry of the Attorney General's Family court fees page lists all current family court fees in one place. ## Can court fees be reduced or waived? If paying these fees would cause serious financial hardship, you can apply for a fee waiver. The Ontario government explains that fee waivers are available for people involved in family, civil, or small claims cases who meet certain financial criteria. The Guide to Fee Waiver Requests and CLEO's Guided Pathway explain the details, including which fees can and cannot be waived. If you're separating with very limited resources, our guide on [how to separate when you have no money in Ontario](/blog/how-to-separate-when-you-have-no-money-in-ontario) covers more options. ## Service and document costs Even in a simple divorce, there are usually small but real paperwork costs. You might need to pay process server fees if you hire a professional to serve your spouse instead of asking a friend or family member who is over 18. There are printing and copying costs, especially if the court requires multiple paper copies. And there may be mail or courier costs if you file documents or serve your spouse that way. The exact dollar amounts will vary, but it's reasonable to budget at least $50 to $150 for these practical expenses. ## Legal fees if you get professional help There is no official schedule for how much a divorce lawyer must charge. The Law Society of Ontario emphasizes that lawyers set their own fees and that you should always ask about costs up front. For a simple, uncontested divorce, lawyers may charge a flat fee for handling the paperwork start to finish, or bill hourly for specific tasks like reviewing a draft separation agreement or checking your forms before you file. Because there's no authoritative public data on average lawyer fees for simple divorces, the safest approach is to book initial consultations with two or three family lawyers. You can use the Law Society Referral Service to get a free 30-minute consultation. Ask each lawyer for a written estimate and what's included in that price. Compare not just cost, but also communication style, how clearly they explain the process and more importantly, how their strategies suit you. Our guide on [how to choose a divorce lawyer in Ontario](/blog/how-to-choose-a-divorce-lawyer-in-ontario) covers what to ask and how to find lawyers who offer limited-scope services. Even if you plan to represent yourself, paying a lawyer only to review documents you prepared can be a cost-effective middle ground. This is sometimes called "unbundled" legal help, and it's becoming more common as people look for ways to keep costs down. ## DIY divorce vs. getting help If your divorce is truly simple, meaning no children, no real estate, no major disputes, your out-of-pocket costs might be limited mostly to court fees of about $659 total (the $214 application fee plus the $445 hearing fee) and some service, printing, and mailing costs. However, filing on your own also comes with risks. If you make mistakes in the forms, your case can be delayed or rejected, causing extra time and possibly extra costs. If you don't fully understand your rights around support or property, you might sign an agreement that's hard to change later. Justice Canada's Fact Sheet on Divorce reminds people that family law can be complicated and that it's usually wise to at least consult a lawyer even if you plan to represent yourself. If you're considering the DIY route, our guide on [how to file for divorce in Ontario without a lawyer](/blog/how-to-file-for-divorce-in-ontario-without-a-lawyer) walks you through the process step by step. ## Help for people with low income If you have a low income, don't assume you have to handle everything alone. Legal Aid Ontario may provide legal representation in some family law matters where you qualify financially and based on your legal issue. Family Law Information Centres at courthouses provide free information about separation, divorce, and related issues. CLEO's Steps to Justice offers plain-language guides and free Guided Pathways that help you fill out many family law forms on your own. Using these resources can reduce your total costs even if you still need to pay court fees or get limited help from a lawyer. ## What does a simple divorce actually cost? Let's put it all together. For many people in Ontario, the minimum cost of a simple, uncontested divorce with no lawyer and no major complications is expected to be roughly $660 in court filing fees, plus service and paperwork costs that usually bring the total into the $700–$800 range. If you add limited legal help, meaning a lawyer reviews your documents or advises you at key points, you might spend an additional few hundred to a couple thousand dollars depending on how much help you need and how your lawyer charges. If you hire a lawyer to handle the entire simple divorce from start to finish, flat fees typically range from $1,500 to $3,500, though this varies significantly by lawyer and location. On top of that, if your situation is more complicated than you initially thought, meaning there are disputes about support, property, or parenting, costs can climb quickly. For more on keeping costs down when things get complicated, see our guide on the [least expensive way to get divorced in Ontario](/blog/least-expensive-way-to-get-divorced-in-ontario). ## The bottom line A simple, uncontested divorce in Ontario can cost as little as $700 to $800 if you do everything yourself and nothing goes wrong. Add limited legal help and you're looking at $1,500 to $3,000. Many Ontario family lawyers quote flat-fee packages for a simple, uncontested divorce in the $1,500 to $3,500 range, depending on location and what’s included. The key is to plan ahead. Confirm current court fees on the Ontario government site. Decide how much you can do yourself versus what you want a professional to handle. Use free and low-cost supports so every dollar you spend adds real value. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the process even though your case is simple, a [divorce coach](/blog/do-i-need-a-divorce-coach) can help you stay organized and prepare for any legal consultations, making sure you use your lawyer time efficiently. ## Frequently Asked Questions **What's the cheapest way to get divorced in Ontario?** The cheapest way is a fully DIY simple divorce where you file your own forms, serve your spouse yourself or through a friend, and pay only the required court fees. If you qualify for fee waivers, your costs could be under $100. For most people, expect to pay around $700 to $800 minimum. **How long does a simple divorce take in Ontario?** Many simple, uncontested divorces take about 4 to 6 months from filing to the divorce taking effect, though it can be longer if the court is busy or if there are mistakes in the paperwork. Once the judge signs the divorce order, it usually takes effect 31 days later. After that, you can request a certificate of divorce, which may take additional time to process. For more on timing, see our guide on the [quickest way to get divorced in Ontario](/blog/quickest-way-to-get-divorced-in-ontario). **Do I need a lawyer for a simple divorce?** No, you don't legally need a lawyer. Many people successfully complete simple divorces on their own. However, even a single consultation with a lawyer can help you understand your rights and avoid costly mistakes, especially if there are any support or property issues. **What makes a divorce "simple" or "uncontested"?** A divorce is considered simple or uncontested when both spouses agree to the divorce and there are no major disputes about children, support, or property. Often the other issues have already been settled through a separation agreement, or there simply aren't any issues to resolve. **Can I get help with court fees if I can't afford them?** Yes. Ontario offers fee waivers for people who meet certain financial criteria. You'll need to fill out forms explaining your financial situation. The court will review your request and may waive some or all of the fees.