NUNAVUT DIVORCE GUIDE

How to File for Divorce in Nunavut
Without a Lawyer

Filing for divorce in Nunavut without an attorney costs CAD $200 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 1 year in Nunavut. Nunavut 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 Nunavut-specific instructions.

CAD $200
Filing Fee
1 year separation
Waiting Period
1 year in Nunavut
Residency
4-6 months (after separation)
Timeline

Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team

Nunavut Divorce Requirements at a Glance

Filing FeeCAD $200 (The court filing fee is approximately CAD $200 for a divorce application. Nunavut has relatively low filing fees. Fee waivers available.)
Residency Requirement1 year in Nunavut
Waiting Period1 year separation
Property DivisionEquitable Distribution (fair, not equal)
Grounds for Divorce1 year separation (no-fault), Adultery, Mental or physical cruelty
No-Fault Only?No (fault grounds available)
Uncontested Timeline4-6 months (after separation)
Contested Timeline1-2 years
Fee Waiver Available?Yes
~100
Divorces per year in Nunavut
~30%
Pro se filers
4-6 months (uncontested)
Average duration
CAD $200
Median filing fee

Nunavut Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Nunavut, you must meet the following residency requirement: 1 year in Nunavut.

At least one spouse must have been ordinarily resident in Nunavut for at least 1 year immediately before starting the divorce proceeding in the Nunavut Court of Justice.

Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet Nunavut's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.

How to File for Divorce in Nunavut: Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to file for divorce in Nunavut without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.

STEP 1

Meet Residency Requirements

At least one spouse must have been ordinarily resident in Nunavut for at least 1 year immediately before starting the divorce proceeding in the Nunavut Court of Justice.

STEP 2

Gather Required Forms

Download the official Nunavut divorce forms: Statement of Claim for Divorce, Affidavit, Financial Statement. All forms are available from the Nunavut courts website.

STEP 3

Complete Your Petition

Fill out the divorce petition (Form) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).

STEP 4

File with the Court

File your completed petition with the Nunavut court and pay the filing fee of CAD $200. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.

STEP 5

Serve Your Spouse

Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to Nunavut rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.

STEP 6

Complete Financial Disclosure

Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by Nunavut law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.

STEP 7

Wait for Response & Complete Waiting Period

Under the federal Divorce Act, you must live separate and apart for 1 year. Nunavut's unique challenges (remote communities, Inuit traditions) are considered in proceedings.

STEP 8

Finalize Your Divorce

Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in Nunavut, this typically takes 4-6 months (after separation). The court will issue your final divorce decree.

Required Forms for Nunavut Divorce

These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in Nunavut. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.

Statement of Claim for Divorce

Form

Initiates the divorce

Affidavit

Supporting

Sworn statement of facts

Financial Statement

If applicable

Financial disclosure

Divorce Judgment

Final

Final decree

Nunavut Divorce Costs & Filing Fees

The filing fee to start a divorce in Nunavut is CAD $200. The court filing fee is approximately CAD $200 for a divorce application. Nunavut has relatively low filing fees. Fee waivers available.

Cost TypeAmount
Court Filing FeeCAD $200
Service of Process$50-$100 (varies by method)
Certified Copies$5-$25 per copy
Total DIY UncontestedCAD $400-$1,500 (uncontested DIY)

Fee Waiver Available in Nunavut

If you cannot afford the filing fee, Nunavut 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.

Serving Your Spouse in Nunavut

After filing your divorce petition in Nunavut, 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.

Acceptable Methods of Service in Nunavut

Personal Service

A sheriff, constable, or private process server personally delivers the papers to your spouse. Most reliable method.

Certified Mail

Papers sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. Your spouse must sign to acknowledge receipt.

Acceptance of Service

Your spouse voluntarily signs an acknowledgment that they received the papers. Fastest and cheapest option if cooperative.

Service by Publication

If your spouse cannot be located, you may be able to publish notice in a newspaper. Requires court approval.

Important: Proof of Service

You must file proof of service with the court showing your spouse was properly served. Without valid proof of service, your divorce cannot proceed. Nunavut courts are strict about service requirements.

Property Division in Nunavut

Equitable Distribution State

Nunavut is a equitable distribution state.

Nunavut's Family Law Act provides for equal division of family property. The court considers Inuit customs and traditions where relevant to the family.

Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how Nunavut law applies to your specific property.

Child Support in Nunavut

Nunavut uses the Federal Child Support Guidelines.

Nunavut uses the Federal Child Support Guidelines. The Maintenance Enforcement Program helps ensure support payments are made.

Spousal Support Factors in Nunavut

  • Length of the relationship
  • Functions performed during marriage
  • Economic circumstances
  • Self-sufficiency potential
  • Inuit customs where relevant
  • Child care responsibilities

Nunavut Divorce Timeline: What to Expect

Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your Nunavut divorce.

Uncontested Divorce

4-6 months (after separation)

When both spouses agree on all terms including property division, custody, and support. This is the fastest and least expensive option.

Contested Divorce

1-2 years

When spouses cannot agree and need court intervention to resolve disputes. Involves hearings, discovery, and potentially trial.

Typical Nunavut Divorce Timeline (Uncontested)

1

File Petition

Day 1 - Submit your divorce paperwork and pay the CAD $200 filing fee

2

Serve Your Spouse

Within 30 days - Ensure proper legal service of divorce papers

3

Response Period

20-30 days - Your spouse has time to file a response

4

Waiting Period

1 year separation - Under the federal Divorce Act, you must live separate and apart for 1 year. Nunavut's unique challenges (remote communities, Inuit traditions) are considered in proceedings.

5

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.

What Makes Nunavut Divorce Unique

Canada's newest and largest territory

Single-level court (Court of Justice)

Inuit traditions considered

Circuit court for remote communities

Inuktitut services available

Legal Aid coverage available

Key Nunavut Divorce Laws

  • Divorce Act (Canada)Federal Divorce Law
  • Family Law Act (Nunavut)Property and Support
  • Nunavut Court of Justice ActCourt Jurisdiction
  • Federal Child Support GuidelinesChild Support

Nunavut Divorce FAQ

Common questions about filing for divorce in Nunavut without an attorney.

Victoria AI Knows Nunavut Divorce Law

Get 24/7 guidance specific to Nunavut's forms, procedures, and requirements.

Nunavut-specific forms

Guidance through every required form

Financial disclosure wizard

Complete your financial affidavit step-by-step

Child support calculator

Using Nunavut's exact guidelines

AI document drafting

Create properly formatted legal documents

Evidence notebook

Organize and categorize case documents

24/7 AI guidance

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Not Legal Advice

Victoria provides legal information, not legal advice. For advice specific to your case, consult an attorney.

Official Sources

All Nunavut divorce information verified from official state court sources.

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