How Divorce Affects Your Credit Score in British Columbia (2026 Guide)

At a Glance

Residency requirement:

To file for divorce in British Columbia, at least one spouse must have been habitually resident in the province for at least one year immediately before filing the divorce application, as required by section 3(1) of the Divorce Act. Both spouses do not need to live in BC — only one must meet this requirement. There is no separate county or district residency requirement.

Filing fee:

$290–$330

Waiting period:

Child support in British Columbia is calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which are based primarily on the paying parent's annual income and the number of children. The guidelines include standardized tables that set base monthly amounts by province. Additional 'special or extraordinary expenses' — such as childcare, medical expenses, or extracurricular activities — may be shared proportionally between both parents based on their respective incomes.

As of April 2026. Reviewed every 3 months. Verify with your local clerk's office.