Filing for divorce in Quebec without an attorney costs CAD $328 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 1 year in Quebec. Quebec is a equitable distribution state with a 1 year separation waiting period. An uncontested divorce typically takes 4-8 months (after separation). Victoria AI guides you through every step with Quebec-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | CAD $328 (The court filing fee is CAD $328 for a divorce application in Quebec Superior Court. Joint applications may have different fees. Fee waivers available.) |
| Residency Requirement | 1 year in Quebec |
| 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 | 4-8 months (after separation) |
| Contested Timeline | 1-3 years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in Quebec, you must meet the following residency requirement: 1 year in Quebec.
At least one spouse must have been ordinarily resident in Quebec for at least 1 year immediately before starting the divorce. Quebec uses civil law (not common law) for family matters.
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet Quebec's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in Quebec without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
At least one spouse must have been ordinarily resident in Quebec for at least 1 year immediately before starting the divorce. Quebec uses civil law (not common law) for family matters.
Download the official Quebec divorce forms: Application for Divorce, Declaration, Statement of Family Patrimony. All forms are available from the Quebec courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (Superior Court) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the Quebec court and pay the filing fee of CAD $328. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to Quebec rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by Quebec 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 1 year. Quebec's civil law system handles all other family matters. You can file before the year is complete.
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in Quebec, this typically takes 4-8 months (after separation). The court will issue your final divorce decree.
These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in Quebec. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates the divorce
Sworn statement of facts
Property disclosure
Final decree
The filing fee to start a divorce in Quebec is CAD $328. The court filing fee is CAD $328 for a divorce application in Quebec Superior Court. Joint applications may have different fees. Fee waivers available.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | CAD $328 |
| 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, Quebec 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 Quebec, 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. Quebec courts are strict about service requirements.
Quebec is a equitable distribution state.
Quebec's Civil Code governs property division. The family patrimony (residence, vehicles, pensions, RRSPs) is divided equally. Other property follows the matrimonial regime chosen at marriage (usually partnership of acquests).
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how Quebec law applies to your specific property.
Quebec uses the Quebec Child Support Determination Model.
Quebec uses its own Child Support Determination Model (not Federal Guidelines). It considers both parents' incomes, custody time, and number of children. Quebec's model often differs from federal calculations.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your Quebec 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 $328 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 1 year. Quebec's civil law system handles all other family matters. You can file 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.
Civil law system (unique in Canada)
Family patrimony concept
Own child support model (not federal)
French is primary language
Partnership of acquests default regime
Mediation subsidized for parents
Common questions about filing for divorce in Quebec without an attorney.
Get 24/7 guidance specific to Quebec's forms, procedures, and requirements.
Quebec-specific forms
Guidance through every required form
Financial disclosure wizard
Complete your financial affidavit step-by-step
Child support calculator
Using Quebec's exact guidelines
AI document drafting
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Evidence notebook
Organize and categorize case documents
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Victoria provides legal information, not legal advice. For advice specific to your case, consult an attorney.
All Quebec divorce information verified from official state court sources.
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