Nunavut Divorce Checklist
divorce.law/resources/divorce-checklist/nunavut/
Prepared: 5/20/2026
Data updated: 3/1/2026
Estimated Timeline
3-6 months for uncontested divorce (desk divorce without oral hearing using Form 11), 12-24 months for contested divorce in Nunavut. The one-year separation period under the Divorce Act must be complete before a judgment is granted. Add 31 days after judgment for the divorce to take legal effect. Remote communities may experience additional delays due to limited court sitting schedules.
Documents to Gather
- Original or certified marriage certificate
- Government-issued photo identification
- Proof of Nunavut residency for 12+ months
- Existing court orders
- Separation agreement(if applicable)
- Children's birth certificates
- Federal Child Support Guidelines table
Financial Documents
- Last 3 years of income tax returns (T1 General) and Notices of Assessment
- Recent pay stubs (minimum 3 months)
- Bank account statements (last 12 months)
- Investment account statements
- Pension plan statements
- Real property assessments or appraisals
- Mortgage and loan documents
- Credit card statements (last 12 months)
- Business financial statements(if applicable)
- Life insurance policies(if applicable)
Key Steps
1. Before Filing
- Verify Residency Requirements
- Establish Grounds for Divorce
- Consider Family Mediation Services
- Obtain Your Marriage Certificate
- Gather Financial Information and Documents
- Consult a Family Law Lawyer or Legal Aid
2. Filing Process
- Complete the Petition for Divorce
- Prepare Supporting Affidavits and Financial Statements
- File the Petition with the Nunavut Court of Justice
3. After Filing
- Serve the Petition on Your Spouse
- Wait for the Response Period
- Exchange Financial Disclosure
- Attend Case Conference or Negotiate Settlement
- Obtain the Divorce Judgment
- Request Your Certificate of Divorce
Key Deadlines
Quick Reference
To file for divorce in Nunavut, you must first establish that at least one spouse has been habitually resident in the territory for a minimum of 12 consecutive months under section 3(1) of the Divorce Act (RSC 1985, c 3, 2nd Supp). File your Petition for Divorce (Form 1-2 for sole petitions or Form 7 for joint petitions) with the Nunavut Court of Justice Registry in Iqaluit, along with your original marriage certificate, Affidavit of Applicant (Form 12 or 13), and the applicable court filing fee. Contact the Registry at (867) 975-6100 to confirm current fees. Have the Petition personally served on your spouse by an adult third party and file the Affidavit of Service (Form 3). The respondent has 25 days to file an Answer if served in Nunavut or 30 days if served elsewhere in Canada. If the divorce involves children or support claims, both parties must exchange Financial Statements (Form 8) and Statements of Property (Form 9) within 30 days after pleadings close. For an uncontested divorce, file Form 11 (Request for Divorce Without Oral Hearing). The divorce takes legal effect 31 days after the judge signs the Divorce Judgment. Expect 3-6 months for an uncontested divorce or 12-24 months if contested. Free mediation is available through the Family Mediation Program at (867) 975-6364, and legal aid through the Legal Services Board of Nunavut at 1-866-606-9400.