Filing for divorce in British Columbia without an attorney costs CAD $210 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 1 year in British Columbia. British Columbia is a equitable distribution state with a 1 year separation waiting period. An uncontested divorce typically takes 4-6 months (after separation). Victoria AI guides you through every step with British Columbia-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | CAD $210 (The court filing fee is CAD $210 for a divorce application in BC Supreme Court. Additional fees may apply for filing additional documents. Fee waivers available.) |
| Residency Requirement | 1 year in British Columbia |
| Waiting Period | 1 year separation |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (fair, not equal) |
| Grounds for Divorce | 1 year separation (no-fault), Adultery, Mental or physical cruelty |
| No-Fault Only? | No (fault grounds available) |
| Uncontested Timeline | 4-6 months (after separation) |
| Contested Timeline | 1-3 years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in British Columbia, you must meet the following residency requirement: 1 year in British Columbia.
At least one spouse must have been ordinarily resident in British Columbia for at least 1 year immediately before starting the divorce proceeding in the Supreme Court of BC.
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet British Columbia's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in British Columbia without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
At least one spouse must have been ordinarily resident in British Columbia for at least 1 year immediately before starting the divorce proceeding in the Supreme Court of BC.
Download the official British Columbia divorce forms: Notice of Family Claim, Requisition, Child Support Affidavit. All forms are available from the British Columbia courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (Form F3) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the British Columbia court and pay the filing fee of CAD $210. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to British Columbia rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by British Columbia law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.
Under the federal Divorce Act, spouses must live separate and apart for at least 1 year. You can file before the year is complete if you expect to meet the requirement by the time of the hearing.
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in British Columbia, this typically takes 4-6 months (after separation). The court will issue your final divorce decree.
These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in British Columbia. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates divorce proceeding
Request for desk order divorce
If children involved
Final divorce decree
The filing fee to start a divorce in British Columbia is CAD $210. The court filing fee is CAD $210 for a divorce application in BC Supreme Court. Additional fees may apply for filing additional documents. Fee waivers available.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | CAD $210 |
| Service of Process | $50-$100 (varies by method) |
| Certified Copies | $5-$25 per copy |
| Total DIY Uncontested | CAD $500-$2,000 (uncontested DIY) |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, British Columbia offers fee waivers for qualifying individuals. You'll need to complete a fee waiver application demonstrating financial hardship. This typically requires showing income below a certain threshold (often 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines) or receiving public assistance benefits.
Victoria can help: Our AI guides you through the fee waiver application process and helps you gather the required documentation.
After filing your divorce petition in British Columbia, you must legally "serve" your spouse with the divorce papers. This ensures they receive official notice of the divorce and have an opportunity to respond.
A sheriff, constable, or private process server personally delivers the papers to your spouse. Most reliable method.
Papers sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. Your spouse must sign to acknowledge receipt.
Your spouse voluntarily signs an acknowledgment that they received the papers. Fastest and cheapest option if cooperative.
If your spouse cannot be located, you may be able to publish notice in a newspaper. Requires court approval.
You must file proof of service with the court showing your spouse was properly served. Without valid proof of service, your divorce cannot proceed. British Columbia courts are strict about service requirements.
British Columbia is a equitable distribution state.
BC's Family Law Act presumes equal division of family property. Excluded property (pre-relationship, gifts, inheritance) stays with the original owner, but any increase in value during the relationship is shared.
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how British Columbia law applies to your specific property.
British Columbia uses the Federal Child Support Guidelines.
BC uses the Federal Child Support Guidelines. Support is based on the payor's income and number of children. The BC Child Support Recalculation Service can adjust amounts annually without going to court.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your British Columbia divorce.
When both spouses agree on all terms including property division, custody, and support. This is the fastest and least expensive option.
When spouses cannot agree and need court intervention to resolve disputes. Involves hearings, discovery, and potentially trial.
File Petition
Day 1 - Submit your divorce paperwork and pay the CAD $210 filing fee
Serve Your Spouse
Within 30 days - Ensure proper legal service of divorce papers
Response Period
20-30 days - Your spouse has time to file a response
Waiting Period
1 year separation - Under the federal Divorce Act, spouses must live separate and apart for at least 1 year. You can file before the year is complete if you expect to meet the requirement by the time of the hearing.
Final Judgment
Court issues your final divorce decree
Speed up your divorce: Victoria AI helps you complete forms correctly the first time, avoiding delays from rejected paperwork. Our checklists ensure you don't miss any steps or deadlines.
Family Law Act reformed in 2013
Desk order divorce for uncontested cases
Child Support Recalculation Service
Notice to Mediate program available
Strong family justice services
Parenting coordinator option for disputes
Common questions about filing for divorce in British Columbia without an attorney.
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British Columbia-specific forms
Guidance through every required form
Financial disclosure wizard
Complete your financial affidavit step-by-step
Child support calculator
Using British Columbia's exact guidelines
AI document drafting
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Organize and categorize case documents
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All British Columbia divorce information verified from official state court sources.
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