How fast can you get divorced in Alberta?

Asked by: Daryl Bartoletti  |  Last update: August 2, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (38 votes)

One to four months: Length of time it then takes most major centres in Alberta to grant a divorce once the final papers have been filed (processing times are usually slower during July to September and December to February as a result of staff holidays during the summer and at Christmas time).

What is the fastest divorce in Alberta?

A joint divorce is available when both parties are agreeable to filing and signing the divorce documents. This is the fastest route for a completed divorce within the Alberta courts. Neither party is served in this case, and the parties do not need to sign the documents together.

How long does it take for a divorce to be finalized in Alberta?

How long does an uncontested divorce take in Alberta? An uncontested divorce typically does not take as long as some other types of divorce, as the process is not dragged out as much. Generally, an uncontested divorce takes around 3 months to finalize.

What is the easiest divorce in Alberta?

Requirements For A Simple Divorce In Alberta

However, if you and your spouse have reached an agreement on issues surrounding children and support, you may apply for an uncontested divorce, also known as a desk divorce. The key requirement for a simple divorce always includes no contested issues between the parties.

Do you need a legal separation before a divorce in Alberta?

In Alberta, you cannot get divorced until you have been separated from your spouse for one year, which can be a long time to wait to remove them from your assets. Any attempt by one separating spouse to remove all finances from their partner's (or a joint) bank account is not advised.

How to get a divorce in Alberta - Diana J. Richmond RCMV LLP

32 related questions found

How much does a divorce cost in Alberta?

The average cost of an uncontested divorce in Alberta ranges from CAD 1,500 to CAD 3,000, including legal fees and disbursements.

What is a wife entitled to in a divorce in Alberta?

The MPA describes matrimonial property as that which was acquired by either spouse, or jointly, during the marriage or after separation. Matrimonial property, which also includes debts, will be divided equally between the divorcing spouses unless special circumstances make an equal division unfair.

Does adultery affect divorce settlements in Alberta?

Adultery does not impact the division of property. Each spouse's entitlement to the family property is independent to any cheating that may have occurred. There may however be questions raised as to the spending of family property on an extramarital affair or new partner.

What are the grounds for divorce in Alberta?

Every divorcing couple brings individual reasons for the divorce to the negotiation table or the courtroom, but each must claim one of the three legal grounds for divorce under Canadian law. The three grounds for divorce in Alberta are cruelty, adultery, and separation.

What is the fastest way to get divorce in Canada?

If you and your spouse agree on all of your family matters, you can make a joint application for divorce with other claims. When you and your spouse agree, your divorce is referred to as “uncontested.” They are usually the quickest and least expensive, and obviously, the most desirable kind of divorce.

Is there a no-fault divorce in Alberta?

In Alberta and throughout Canada, we have no-fault divorce. This means you do not have to demonstrate wrongdoing on the other person's part to get divorced. This relieves pressure on our court system, so judges and courtrooms can be devoted to more serious matters than ending a marriage.

What happens after divorce papers are served in Alberta?

After the papers have been served, the person that served the papers will need to complete an Affidavit of Service, which you will submit to the court to complete the filing process.

How much does a separation agreement cost in Alberta?

Generally, in Alberta, for an uncontested separation agreement, you have to pay the agreed fee of $795 if you do not have any children. In addition to this agreement fee, you also have to pay lawyer advice fees and signing fees in the separation agreement.

Which state has the fastest divorce process?

Nevada is the quickest state to get a divorce in, with a minimum residency requirement of only six (6) weeks and no cooling off or waiting period for the divorce to be finalized.

Can you expedite a divorce in Canada?

Although we've all heard of a quickie divorce, there is really no such thing in Canada. If you want to get legally divorced from your spouse, there are numerous components that dictate the overall speed of the application process.

Is joint divorce the same as uncontested divorce in Alberta?

Most are aware of the Uncontested Divorce, which is when one party files and the other party signs off on what has been agreed to, with little or no conflict involved. The Joint Divorce takes the friendly factor one step further. In a Joint Divorce there is not a party who “files for divorce” against the other.

How much is spousal support in Alberta?

If there are children, you can calculate a general amount by taking the net disposable incomes of each of the parties, after taxes, deductions and childcare expenses, to leave 40-46% of the total to the recipient of spousal support.

What is the new Divorce Act Alberta?

The Divorce Act amendment that came into effect on March 1, 2021, elevates the best interests of the child. It also includes updated legal terminology, recognition of family violence, and addresses relocation issues. As you consider ending your marriage, you should understand these changes to the Divorce Act.

Can you live in the same house and be separated in Alberta?

Note that this doesn't stop you from beginning the divorce action within the separation period. You should also note that separation does not technically require you to live at a separate address to your spouse. You may decide to live in the same home during the separation period due to financial or other reasons.

Is dating during separation adultery in Canada?

Can you date while separated? Yes. If you're ready to, you are free to date other people while separated. Your separation agreement is critical though because if the timing of the relationship comes into question during your divorce your relationship may be considered as an affair or adultery.

Does your wife get half in divorce if she cheated?

Although cheating will not automatically result in one spouse getting a better divorce settlement than the other, it can certainly be factored into negotiating the division of marital assets. Any time infidelity is a factor in the ending of a marriage, it can certainly stir up a lot of emotions and animosity.

Can cheating be held against you in a divorce?

While cheating and adultery will not affect your ability to divorce, it certainly can determine if the divorce no-fault or fault. Additionally, adultery can also have an impact on the decisions made during the divorce process, including alimony and property division.

How are assets split in a divorce in Alberta?

The Matrimonial Property Act in Alberta calls for divorcing spouses or cohabitating partners to divide their assets and debts equitably. Equitable division usually represents an equal 50/50 split.

Am I responsible for my spouses debt after separation in Alberta?

Lastly, the Courts in Alberta generally rule that unless the debt was incurred in relation to a joint marital asset or for a joint marital purpose, post-separation liabilities will be the sole responsibility of the party that incurred the debt.

Is inheritance money split in a divorce in Alberta?

Inheritance Is Normally Not Included

When married spouses are getting a divorce in Alberta, the partner whose property has increased the most usually pays. Each person's 'net family property,' or the growth in value of their property throughout the marriage, is calculated.