In total, court fees are $632 to obtain a divorce in Ontario,
plus 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.
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:
-
To partially reimburse successful litigants;
-
To encourage settlement;
-
To discourage and sanction inappropriate behaviour by
litigants; and
-
To ensure that cases are dealt with justly.
In fixing the amount of costs, the court must consider various
factors including:
-
Each party’s behaviour;
-
The time spent by each party;
-
Any written offers to settle;
-
Any legal fees; and,
-
Any expert witness fees.
Common reasons for ordering costs against a party include:
-
Failure to follow the rules of the court;
-
Failure to follow an order of the court;
-
Failure to make full and frank financial disclosure;
and,
-
Acting in bad faith, or engaging in malicious
conduct.
Consult a divorce and family lawyer about your rights and
obligations.