Quebec Divorce Checklist
divorce.law/resources/divorce-checklist/quebec/
Prepared: 5/20/2026
Data updated: 3/1/2026
Estimated Timeline
3-6 months for joint (uncontested) divorce, 12-24 months for contested divorce in Quebec. Joint applications are typically heard within 2-4 months of filing. The divorce judgment takes effect 31 days after rendering. Add 10 business days for obtaining marriage certificate and 5-10 business days for scheduling mediation information session before filing.
Documents to Gather
- Certified Marriage Certificate
- Birth Certificates of Dependent Children
- Marriage Contract (if applicable)(if applicable)
- Proof of Residency in Quebec
- Government-Issued Photo Identification
- Mediation Information Session Attestation (Form SJ-863)
- Separation Agreement (if already negotiated)(if applicable)
Financial Documents
- Last 3 years of income tax returns (federal T1 and Quebec TP-1)
- Notices of Assessment from CRA and Revenu Québec
- Recent pay stubs (last 3 months)
- Bank account statements (all accounts, last 12 months)
- RRSP and TFSA statements
- Employer pension plan statements
- Régie des rentes du Québec (RRQ) statement
- Mortgage statements and property assessments
- Vehicle ownership and valuation
- Debt statements (credit cards, loans, lines of credit)
Key Steps
1. Before Filing
- Verify Residency and Jurisdictional Requirements
- Attend Mandatory Family Mediation Information Session
- Determine Grounds for Divorce and Case Type
- Compile Financial Disclosure Documentation
- Obtain a Copy of Your Marriage Certificate
2. Filing Process
- Prepare the Application for Divorce (Demande en Divorce)
- Complete the Child Support Determination Form
- Prepare the Family Patrimony Partition Statement
- File the Application with the Superior Court
3. After Filing
- Serve the Application on Your Spouse
- Respondent Files an Answer or Defence
- Complete the Case Protocol and Disclosure Process
- Attend Pre-Trial Conference or Settlement Conference
- Attend Trial or Submit Joint Application for Judgment
- Register the Divorce Judgment and Update Records
Key Deadlines
Quick Reference
To file for divorce in Quebec, you must first establish at least one year of residency in the province under the Divorce Act, Section 3(1), then attend a mandatory family mediation information session as required by Articles 417 and 420 of the Code of Civil Procedure. Gather your certified marriage certificate from the Directeur de l'état civil, complete financial disclosure documents including tax returns, pension statements, and a family patrimony inventory under Articles 414-426 of the Civil Code of Quebec. File your application at the Superior Court — joint applications cost CAD $108.00 plus a CAD $10.00 Central Registry fee, while contested applications cost CAD $325.00 plus the registry fee. After filing, your spouse has 15 days to respond if served in Quebec. Joint divorces typically conclude in 3-6 months; contested cases take 12-24 months. The judgment takes effect 31 days after rendering. Quebec requires equal partition of the family patrimony regardless of any marriage contract. For free legal aid, contact the Commission des services juridiques at 514-873-3562.