Is It Possible to Self-Represent?
Generally, yes. Ontario's court process allows a person to file and complete their own divorce application without a lawyer, and many people do, particularly for straightforward, uncontested divorces where the spouses agree on the relevant issues or there are no other issues to resolve.
What's Generally Involved
At a high level, a self-represented divorce application generally involves completing the required court forms, filing them with the appropriate court office along with the filing fee, formally serving the other spouse (unless it's a joint application), and then following through on any additional steps the court requires before the divorce order is granted. Court forms and general guidance are generally available through the Ontario court system and resources like Steps to Justice's guided divorce pathway.
When Self-Representing Tends to Be More Realistic
Self-representation tends to be more manageable where the divorce is uncontested, there are no significant disputes about parenting, support, or property, and the paperwork is relatively straightforward. Many people also use a separation agreement to resolve the practical issues first, then handle the divorce application itself — which is often the simpler of the two — on their own.
When It's Worth Getting Help
Where there are real disputes — about parenting arrangements, support, or property — or where one spouse has significantly more information or resources than the other, self-representing becomes considerably harder, and independent legal advice tends to be worth the investment, even if only for a limited consultation rather than full representation. See our guide to whether you need a lawyer to separate for a broader look at this decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really get divorced in Ontario without hiring a lawyer?
Generally, yes, particularly for an uncontested divorce where there's no significant dispute to resolve — many people complete the process on their own using court forms and guided resources.
Where do I get the forms for a self-represented divorce?
Court forms are generally available through the Ontario court system's website, and resources like Steps to Justice offer a guided pathway through the process.
Is it harder to self-represent if we have children?
It can be, particularly if parenting or support arrangements aren't already resolved. Many parents resolve those issues through a separation agreement or parenting plan first, then handle the divorce application itself.
What if my spouse and I disagree about something?
If there's a genuine dispute, the matter can become more complex, and getting at least some legal advice becomes more worthwhile, even if you continue to handle most of the process yourself.
Does self-representing save money?
It generally avoids legal fees for the divorce application itself, though it's worth weighing that against the risk of errors or delays, particularly in anything beyond a simple, uncontested situation.