Filing for divorce in Manitoba without an attorney costs CAD $400 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 1 year in Manitoba. Manitoba 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 Manitoba-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | CAD $400 (The court filing fee is approximately CAD $400 for a divorce petition in Manitoba. This includes the initial filing. Fee waivers available for financial hardship.) |
| Residency Requirement | 1 year in Manitoba |
| 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 | 1-2 years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in Manitoba, you must meet the following residency requirement: 1 year in Manitoba.
At least one spouse must have been ordinarily resident in Manitoba for at least 1 year immediately before commencing the divorce proceeding in the Court of King's Bench (Family Division).
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet Manitoba's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in Manitoba without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
At least one spouse must have been ordinarily resident in Manitoba for at least 1 year immediately before commencing the divorce proceeding in the Court of King's Bench (Family Division).
Download the official Manitoba divorce forms: Petition for Divorce, Financial Statement, Affidavit of Service. All forms are available from the Manitoba courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (Form 70A) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the Manitoba court and pay the filing fee of CAD $400. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to Manitoba rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by Manitoba law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.
Under the federal Divorce Act, you must live separate and apart for 1 year before the divorce can be granted. You may file your application before the year is complete.
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in Manitoba, 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 Manitoba. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates the divorce
Financial disclosure
Proof of service
Final order
The filing fee to start a divorce in Manitoba is CAD $400. The court filing fee is approximately CAD $400 for a divorce petition in Manitoba. This includes the initial filing. Fee waivers available for financial hardship.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | CAD $400 |
| Service of Process | $50-$100 (varies by method) |
| Certified Copies | $5-$25 per copy |
| Total DIY Uncontested | CAD $600-$2,500 (uncontested DIY) |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, Manitoba 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 Manitoba, 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. Manitoba courts are strict about service requirements.
Manitoba is a equitable distribution state.
Manitoba's Family Property Act provides for equal division of family assets and equal sharing of family debts. Assets owned before marriage and gifts/inheritance may be excluded.
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how Manitoba law applies to your specific property.
Manitoba uses the Federal Child Support Guidelines.
Manitoba uses the Federal Child Support Guidelines. Child support is based on the paying parent's income and number of children. Manitoba has a Maintenance Enforcement Program for collection.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your Manitoba 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 $400 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, you must live separate and apart for 1 year before the divorce can be granted. You may file your application before the year is complete.
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.
Court of King's Bench Family Division
Uncontested divorce without court appearance
Maintenance Enforcement Program
For the Sake of the Children program
Family Conciliation services available
Online divorce application option
Common questions about filing for divorce in Manitoba without an attorney.
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Child support calculator
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All Manitoba divorce information verified from official state court sources.
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