How do I get a divorce in BC?
If you're married, you need to get a divorce order to end your marriage legally.
To get a divorce in BC, you must file a Notice of Family Claim (F3) or Notice of Joint Family Claim (F1) in the BC Supreme Court. You can download the court forms (opens in a new tab) you'll need. There is also an online tool to file a Joint Divorce (opens in a new tab) in BC. Learn more about divorce requirements. (opens in a new tab)
Getting a divorce does not mean you will have a trial. More than half of all separations and divorces in BC are settled without going to trial. If you and your former spouse can agree on terms of the separation, you can get a “desk order” divorce with no trial.
To complete a Separation Agreement and move forward with your divorce, see the step-by-step guides at Family Law in BC (opens in a new tab). Also see “Is there free help to separate or divorce in BC? (opens in a new tab)” and “Making an agreement after you separate (opens in a new tab)”.
LegalHelpBC responds to hundreds of family law questions every month. If you have questions related to your separation or divorce, Ask a Human or Ask AI.
Others found these helpful...
- Family Law in BC (opens in a new tab)
BC’s most comprehensive family law website covers separation, divorce, adoption, protection and more.
- HowToSeparate.ca (opens in a new tab)
Provides help for separating couples on: Working it out, Separating the Finances and Going to Court.
- BC Family Justice Services (opens in a new tab)
The BC government provides a range of information and services to support people with separation, divorce, and other family law issues.
- FamiliesChange.ca (opens in a new tab)
Age-appropriate information for parents, teens and kids on how to deal with family changes due to separation.
- Legal Aid BC (opens in a new tab)
Provides a range of services to support British Columbians get legal advice on family law and other issues.
- Rise Women’s Legal Centre (opens in a new tab)
Provides legal services to women, especially regarding family law and intimate partner violence.
- BC Provincial Court (opens in a new tab)
This court applies BC’s Family Law Act and the Divorce Act to deal with a range of family law issues related to parenting arrangements, support, child protection, etc.
- Supreme Court BC (opens in a new tab)
This JES website provides a series of guidebooks to help people understand and move through family law processes in BC Supreme Court.