Key takeaways
The honest answer to "how much does a divorce cost in Ontario?" is that it depends almost entirely on how much you and your spouse disagree. There are two separate costs: the government court fees (fixed) and your legal fees (highly variable). An uncontested divorce can be relatively inexpensive, while a contested case that proceeds to trial is the most expensive path.
The court filing fees are set by the government and are the same regardless of your lawyer. As of 2026 they total about $679: roughly $224 to file the divorce application, $445 for the affidavit for divorce, plus a $10 federal Central Registry fee. Filing online through the Ontario Court Services portal is cheaper (about $449 total). Fee waivers are available for people receiving social assistance or on a low income.
| Type | Relative cost | What it involves |
|---|---|---|
| Uncontested / simple divorce | Lowest | Both spouses agree; often a flat fee plus court costs |
| Mediated / negotiated | Moderate | Issues resolved through mediation or lawyer negotiation and a separation agreement |
| Contested | High | Court conferences, motions, and disclosure disputes |
| Trial | Highest | Full hearing; can take two years or more to reach |
Legal fees vary widely by case, so any dollar figure is only a rough guide. The clearest way to control cost is to reduce conflict: settle what you can, disclose finances early, and use mediation where possible.
The court fees total about $679 (around $449 filing online). Legal fees for a simple, uncontested divorce are modest compared with a contested case, and many are handled for a flat fee.
About $679 in total — roughly $224 to file the application, $445 for the affidavit for divorce, plus a $10 federal registry fee. Filing online is cheaper, and fee waivers are available for low-income applicants.
The single biggest cost driver is conflict. Contested matters that proceed through motions, conferences, and disclosure disputes cost far more than settlements reached through negotiation or mediation.
This article is general information about Ontario family law and is not legal advice. For advice on your situation, contact Tailor Law.