How do I get an uncontested divorce in BC?

If you're married and you want a divorce, you need to get a divorce order to end your marriage legally.

In BC, an uncontested divorce (sometimes called a “desk order divorce”) is when both spouses agree on all the issues, such as parenting, support, and property division. Because there’s no dispute, you don’t have to go to court for a trial — a judge reviews the documents you file with the court and if everything is complete, grants the divorce order.

To start, see the Family Law in BC guides to Do Your Own Uncontested Divorce (opens in a new tab). You need to have a signed Separation Agreement (see the Separation Agreement guide (opens in a new tab) on Family Law in BC), file court forms in BC Supreme Court, and wait for the court decision.

More than half of all separations and divorces in BC are settled without going to trial. Your divorce order can be final in three or four months, and can cost less than $500.

If you need assistance, Ask JES answers family law questions. You can also visit a Family Justice Centre (opens in a new tab) to get helpful information or mediation. See “Is there free help to separate or divorce in BC? (opens in a new tab)”.