An Ontario divorce ends the marriage. It does not, by itself, divide property or set support. The difference between an uncontested file and a contested one is whether those corollary issues are already settled.
If they are settled in a separation agreement, the divorce is paperwork. If they are not, the divorce application becomes the vehicle for a fight.
| Topic | Uncontested / joint | Contested |
|---|---|---|
| What is agreed | Everything that matters — or there is nothing left to fight about | Parenting, support or property is still in dispute |
| Typical path | Application on affidavit evidence; often no courtroom | Conferences, motions, and possibly a trial |
| Fee model here | Quoted flat after we see the facts | $199 per half-hour after the free first 15 minutes, budget agreed first |
| Timeline after one year of separation | Usually a few months of court processing | Months to longer, driven by conflict and court time |
| Children and property | Settled in the agreement first | Decided by negotiation under a court timetable, or by a judge |
Choose Uncontested / joint when
- You already have a signed separation agreement
- There are no children or property left to decide
- Both spouses will cooperate on a joint application
Choose Contested when
- Disclosure is being withheld
- Parenting or support cannot be agreed
- There is urgency or a safety concern