If I just want a divorce, do I have to go to court?

If you and your spouse agree to obtain a divorce, and there are no claims or issues that need to be resolved between you, you will not need to appear before a judge unless the judge has reviewed your divorce documents and he or she feels they need more information before they grant you a divorce. Often, however, the court office will contact you for this information, so there will be no need to appear before a judge. Typically, you only need to appear before a judge if the divorce is contested or the claims/issues are complex.

Robert Berman is a Toronto divorce lawyer who runs Berman Barristers. He is also the founder of myOntarioDivorce.com, an innovative new Do It Yourself divorce website.