Filing for divorce in Newfoundland and Labrador without an attorney costs CAD $275 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 1 year in Newfoundland and Labrador. Newfoundland and Labrador 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 Newfoundland and Labrador-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | CAD $275 (The court filing fee is approximately CAD $275 for a divorce application in the Supreme Court. Additional fees may apply. Fee waivers available.) |
| Residency Requirement | 1 year in Newfoundland and Labrador |
| 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 Newfoundland and Labrador, you must meet the following residency requirement: 1 year in Newfoundland and Labrador.
At least one spouse must have been ordinarily resident in Newfoundland and Labrador for at least 1 year immediately before starting the divorce proceeding in the Supreme Court (Family Division).
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet Newfoundland and Labrador's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in Newfoundland and Labrador without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
At least one spouse must have been ordinarily resident in Newfoundland and Labrador for at least 1 year immediately before starting the divorce proceeding in the Supreme Court (Family Division).
Download the official Newfoundland and Labrador divorce forms: Originating Application, Affidavit in Support, Financial Statement. All forms are available from the Newfoundland and Labrador 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 Newfoundland and Labrador court and pay the filing fee of CAD $275. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to Newfoundland and Labrador rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by Newfoundland and Labrador 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 for no-fault divorce. You can file before the year is complete if separation will be met by the hearing date.
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in Newfoundland and Labrador, 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 Newfoundland and Labrador. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates the divorce
Sworn facts
Financial disclosure
Final divorce decree
The filing fee to start a divorce in Newfoundland and Labrador is CAD $275. The court filing fee is approximately CAD $275 for a divorce application in the Supreme Court. Additional fees may apply. Fee waivers available.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | CAD $275 |
| 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, Newfoundland and Labrador 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 Newfoundland and Labrador, 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. Newfoundland and Labrador courts are strict about service requirements.
Newfoundland and Labrador is a equitable distribution state.
Newfoundland's Family Law Act provides for equal division of matrimonial assets. The matrimonial home receives special protection. Pre-marriage assets 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 Newfoundland and Labrador law applies to your specific property.
Newfoundland and Labrador uses the Federal Child Support Guidelines.
Newfoundland uses the Federal Child Support Guidelines. Support is based on the paying parent's income and number of children. The Support Enforcement Program handles collections.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your Newfoundland and Labrador 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 $275 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 for no-fault divorce. You can file before the year is complete if separation will be met by the hearing date.
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.
Supreme Court Family Division
Uncontested procedure available
Support Enforcement Program
Unified Family Court in St. John's
Public Legal Information Association
Court-connected mediation available
Common questions about filing for divorce in Newfoundland and Labrador without an attorney.
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