Filing for divorce in Nova Scotia without an attorney costs CAD $279.40 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 1 year in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia is a equitable distribution state with a 1 year separation waiting period. An uncontested divorce typically takes 3-5 months (after separation). Victoria AI guides you through every step with Nova Scotia-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | CAD $279.40 (The court filing fee is CAD $279.40 for a divorce application. Additional fees apply for various filings. Fee waivers available for financial hardship.) |
| Residency Requirement | 1 year in Nova Scotia |
| 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 | 3-5 months (after separation) |
| Contested Timeline | 1-2 years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in Nova Scotia, you must meet the following residency requirement: 1 year in Nova Scotia.
At least one spouse must have been ordinarily resident in Nova Scotia for at least 1 year immediately before commencing the divorce proceeding in the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (Family Division).
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet Nova Scotia's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in Nova Scotia without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
At least one spouse must have been ordinarily resident in Nova Scotia for at least 1 year immediately before commencing the divorce proceeding in the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (Family Division).
Download the official Nova Scotia divorce forms: Notice of Action, Statement of Claim, Affidavit. All forms are available from the Nova Scotia courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (Form 49.01A) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the Nova Scotia court and pay the filing fee of CAD $279.40. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to Nova Scotia rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by Nova Scotia law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.
Under the federal Divorce Act, you must be separated for 1 year before the divorce can be granted. You can file your application before the year is complete.
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in Nova Scotia, this typically takes 3-5 months (after separation). The court will issue your final divorce decree.
These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in Nova Scotia. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates the divorce
Details of claim
Sworn statement
Final decree
The filing fee to start a divorce in Nova Scotia is CAD $279.40. The court filing fee is CAD $279.40 for a divorce application. Additional fees apply for various filings. Fee waivers available for financial hardship.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | CAD $279.40 |
| 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, Nova Scotia 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 Nova Scotia, 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. Nova Scotia courts are strict about service requirements.
Nova Scotia is a equitable distribution state.
Nova Scotia's Matrimonial Property Act provides for equal division of matrimonial assets. Business assets and assets owned before marriage may be treated differently.
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how Nova Scotia law applies to your specific property.
Nova Scotia uses the Federal Child Support Guidelines.
Nova Scotia uses the Federal Child Support Guidelines. The Maintenance Enforcement Program ensures payments are made and can take enforcement action for non-compliance.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your Nova Scotia 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 $279.40 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 be separated for 1 year before the divorce can be granted. You can 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.
Supreme Court Family Division
Uncontested desk divorce available
Maintenance Enforcement Program
Parenting education required
Family mediation services
Legal information services available
Common questions about filing for divorce in Nova Scotia without an attorney.
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Nova Scotia-specific forms
Guidance through every required form
Financial disclosure wizard
Complete your financial affidavit step-by-step
Child support calculator
Using Nova Scotia's exact guidelines
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All Nova Scotia divorce information verified from official state court sources.
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