Ending a marriage is already an overwhelming decision emotionally, but the cost of a divorce makes things worse for some people. You may wonder how much does a divorce cost in Ontario for various reasons.

The 2025 statistics show that the divorce rate in Canada is decreasing, and one of the reasons behind it is the increasing divorce costs. This is why you may want to know how much a divorce costs in Ontario to understand whether you can afford it.

As an expert divorce lawyer, we have the latest information about the cost of a divorce in Ontario. Dive into the guide below to learn how much you’re expected to pay in 2025.

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How Much Does A Divorce Cost In Ontario In 2025?

A divorce in Ontario can cost about $1,500 to $80,000+ on average. The exact amount is dependent on various factors such as:

Type of divorce (simple or contested)
The 2025 divorce filing and finalizing fees
Divorce lawyer fees
Court fees for a divorce certificate

The general rule of thumb is that the more complex and lengthier a divorce, the greater will be its cost. This is why it is recommended to talk to your partner and reach a mutual agreement before filing for divorce in Ontario.

Simple divorces cost less than contested divorces because of a lack of complexity. If both parties agree to the division of assets beforehand, a simple divorce can be finalized within one hearing.

Meanwhile, a contested separation may last a few months to years until both parties agree or a court order for divorce and division of assets is passed.

How Much Does A Simple Divorce Cost In Ontario?

When thinking about how much does a divorce cost in Ontario, most people lean towards finding out the simple divorce cost. This is also called an uncontested divorce in Canada.

As of 2^nd July 2025, initiating a simple divorce costs about $224 in Ontario. Remember, this is not the final fee because other charges will be added to it, such as:

Your divorce attorney fee – discussed below
Affidavit for simple divorce fee – $21 in 2025
Divorce finalization fee – $445 in 2025

Excluding the divorce lawyer fee in Ontario, the minimum cost of a simple divorce is estimated to $690. This figure may exceed the $1,000 mark after your family lawyer’s hourly fee or flat fee is added to the minimum figure.

Remember, these are only the minimum figures for a simple divorce in Ontario. The total cost may vary, depending on your Scarborough separation lawyer.

How Much Does A Contested Divorce Cost In Ontario?

A contested divorce doesn’t have a fixed cost because of the legal procedure’s complexity. The longer your divorce goes on, the greater will be its cost. That’s because the divorce lawyer’s fee makes up the majority portion of the contested divorce cost in Ontario.

Most lawyers in the province charge $7,500 to $50,000 or above for a contested divorce. The exact figure depends on the complexity and duration of the case.

Other fees are also added to the lawyer’s cost, such as court fees for filing a divorce ($445), mediation fees (up to $5,000), and the cost of reports, such as a custody order.

The best way to understand how much a contested divorce costs in Ontario is by consulting a divorce lawyer. As every attorney charges a different rate, the overall cost of a contested divorce varies significantly.

How Much Does A Divorce Lawyer Cost In Ontario?

A divorce lawyer fee significantly affects the total cost of a divorce in Ontario. Attorneys who charge hourly usually ask for $250 to $700 per hour. The exact figure depends on the lawyer’s expertise, services they’re providing, location of their law firm, and complexity of the case.

Although many divorce lawyers set a flat fee for contested and uncontested (simple divorces), to offer clients affordable quotes. The flat charges of a divorce lawyer in Ontario may include:

Packages ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 for uncontested divorce
Packages ranging from $7,500 to $50,000+ for contested divorce

Every divorce or family lawyer in Scarborough offers a different quote when asked how much does a divorce cost in Ontario. Consulting experts such as Barnett Law can help you understand the most accurate cost of divorce in 2025.

FAQs

Who Pays For Divorce In Ontario?

Both parties must pay legal costs, such as their divorce attorney fees. The party that started the case must pay an application fee of $224 and a filing fee of $455. These costs can be split between the couple if they’re getting a mutual divorce.

How Much Are Court Fees In Ontario For Divorce?

The court fees for divorce in Ontario include an application fee of $224, a filing fee of $445, and an optional divorce certificate fee of $25. Other court charges may also apply if custody orders, spousal support orders, and other documents are required.

Do I Need A Lawyer To Get A Divorce In Ontario?

Getting a lawyer for a divorce in Ontario is not essential, but beneficial. An attorney can support you by offering legal advice, filing paperwork, and preparing you for court hearings. Having a lawyer by your side is also best if your divorce type falls in the contested category.

What Does Divorce Lawyer Fee Cover?

A divorce lawyer fee covers the services offered to you by the skilled attorney. These may include legal advice, paperwork filing costs, evidence gathering, and representation in the Ontario court or outside it.

How Much Does A Divorce Cost In Ontario: Contact Barnett Law For A Quote

Getting a divorce in Ontario is a big decision that can cause you to spend thousands of dollars. Consulting a divorce lawyer is the best way to understand legal costs, the paperwork you must file, and more.

Barnett Law has years of experience as a divorce lawyer Scarborough. Our skilled attorney offers you legal advice, support for document preparation, and represents you in court if necessary.

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Barnett Law

Barnett Law is a trusted and knowledgeable lawyer in Scarborough. Her expertise spans real estate law, family law, adoptions and fertility law. A lawyer by profession and a humanitarian by heart, Athena Narsingh Barnett wants to help people become more familiar with the legal system and be well-informed to make important legal decisions.