How much does a divorce cost in Ontario?
Court Fees
In total, court fees are $632 to obtain a divorce in Ontario, plus legal fees.
Legal Fees
As per market trend legal fees for a Contested Divorce in Ontario costs over $5,000 for a simple matter. Complex Contested Divorces leading to trial could cost over tens of thousands of dollars.
Generally speaking, each party will be liable to pay his or her own legal fees incurred within court proceedings. However, there are circumstances where one party can be ordered to pay the costs of the other party.
Costs Award
When parties are involved in family law litigation, it is possible that the court will find one party liable to the other for their costs of the proceeding.
Rules with respect to costs are designed to promote four purposes:
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To partially reimburse successful litigants;
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To encourage settlement;
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To discourage and sanction inappropriate behaviour by litigants; and
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To ensure that cases are dealt with justly.
In fixing the amount of costs, the court must consider various factors including:
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Each party’s behaviour;
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The time spent by each party;
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Any written offers to settle;
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Any legal fees; and,
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Any expert witness fees.
Common reasons for ordering costs against a party include:
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Failure to follow the rules of the court;
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Failure to follow an order of the court;
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Failure to make full and frank financial disclosure; and,
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Acting in bad faith, or engaging in malicious conduct.
Consult a divorce and family lawyer about your rights and obligations.
