The Divorce Act Changes Explained

This technical guide provides information about changes to the Divorce Act through legislation Parliament passed in 2019. Each entry details the amendment to the legislation, explains the change, and provides the reason for it.

PDF Version

Table of Contents

• Background
• Definitions
  • Custody and custody order (Section 2(1), Divorce Act)
  • Accès (Section 2(1), Divorce Act)
  • Provincial Child Support Service (Section 2(1), Divorce Act)
  • Corollary relief proceeding, divorce proceeding (Section 2(1), Divorce Act)
  • Spouse (Section 2(1), Divorce Act)
  • Spouse (Section 2(1), Divorce Act)
  • Applicable guidelines (Section 2(1), Divorce Act)
  • Competent authority (Section 2(1), Divorce Act)
  • Contact order (Section 2(1), Divorce Act)
  • Decision-making responsibility (Section 2(1), Divorce Act)
  • Family dispute resolution process (Section 2(1), Divorce Act)
  • Family justice services (Section 2(1), Divorce Act)
  • Family member (Section 2(1), Divorce Act)
  • Family violence (Section 2(1), Divorce Act)
  • Legal adviser (Section 2(1), Divorce Act)
  • Order assignee (Section 2(1), Divorce Act)
  • Parenting order (Section 2(1), Divorce Act)
  • Parenting time (Section 2(1), Divorce Act)
  • Relocation (Section 2(1), Divorce Act)
• Jurisdiction
  • Two proceedings commenced on different days (Sections 3(2), 4(2), 5(2) Divorce Act)
  • Two proceedings commenced on same day (Sections 3(3), 4(3), 5(3) Divorce Act)
  • Transfer of proceeding if parenting order applied for (Section 6(1) and (2) Divorce Act)
  • Jurisdiction – application for contact order (Section 6.1(1), Divorce Act)
  • Jurisdiction – no pending variation proceeding (Section 6.1(2), Divorce Act)
  • Jurisdiction – no contact order (Section 6.1(3), Divorce Act)
  • Removal or retention of child of marriage (Section 6.2(1), Divorce Act)
  • Transfer (Section 6.2(2), Divorce Act)
  • Federal Court (Section 6.2(3), Divorce Act)
  • Child habitually resident outside Canada (Section 6.3(1), Divorce Act)
  • Exceptional circumstances (Section 6.3(2), Divorce Act)
  • Child habitually resident outside Canada (Section 6.3(1), Divorce Act)
• Duties – Parties to a proceeding
  • Best interests of the child (Section 7.1, Divorce Act)
  • Protection of children from conflict (Section 7.2, Divorce Act)
  • Family dispute resolution process (Section 7.3, Divorce Act)
  • Complete, accurate and up-to-date information (Section 7.4, Divorce Act)
  • Duty to comply with orders (Section 7.5, Divorce Act)
  • Certification (Section 7.6, Divorce Act)
• Duties – Legal Adviser
  • Reconciliation (Section 7.7(1), Divorce Act)
  • Duty to discuss and inform (Section 7.7(2), Divorce Act)
  • Certification (Section 7.7(3), Divorce Act)
• Duties – Court
  • Purpose of section (Section 7.8(1), Divorce Act)
  • Information regarding other orders or proceedings (Section 7.8(2), Divorce Act)
  • Definition of civil protection order (Section 7.8(3), Divorce Act)
• Miscellaneous
  • Section 9 repealed (Section 9, Divorce Act)
  • Definition of collusion (Section 11(4), Divorce Act)
  • Heading “Interpretation” repealed (Section 15, Divorce Act)
• Best interests of the child
  • Best interests of the child (Section 16(1), Divorce Act)
  • Primary consideration (Section 16(2), Divorce Act)
  • Factors to be considered (Section 16(3), Divorce Act)
    • Child’s needs (Section 16(3)(a), Divorce Act)
    • Nature and strength of child’s relationships (Section 16(3)(b), Divorce Act)
    • Supporting the child’s relationship with other spouse (Section 16(3)(c), Divorce Act)
    • History of care (Section 16(3)(d), Divorce Act)
    • Child’s views and preferences (Section 16(3)(e), Divorce Act)
    • Child’s cultural, linguistic, religious and spiritual upbringing and heritage including Indigenous upbringing and heritage (Section 16(3)(f), Divorce Act)
    • Plans for child’s care (Section 16(3)(g), Divorce Act)
    • Ability and willingness (Section 16(3)(h), Divorce Act)
    • Communicate and cooperate (Section 16(3)(i), Divorce Act)
    • Family violence (Section 16(3)(j), Divorce Act)
    • Civil or criminal proceedings (Section 16(3)(k), Divorce Act)
  • Factors relating to family violence (Section 16(4), Divorce Act)
    • Nature, seriousness and frequency (Section 16(4)(a), Divorce Act)
    • Pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour (Section 16(4)(b), Divorce Act)
    • Child’s experience of family violence (Section 16(4)(c), Divorce Act)
    • Physical, emotional and psychological harm or risk of harm to the child (Section 16(4)(d), Divorce Act)
    • Compromise to safety (Section 16(4)(e), Divorce Act)
    • Fear for safety (Section 16(4)(f), Divorce Act)
    • Steps to prevent further family violence by person engaging in family violence (Section 16(4)(g), Divorce Act)
    • Other relevant factors (Section 16(4)(h), Divorce Act)
  • Past conduct (Section 16(5), Divorce Act)
  • Parenting time consistent with best interests of child (Section 16(6), Divorce Act)
  • Parenting order and contact order (Section 16(7), Divorce Act)
• Parenting Orders
  • Parenting order (Section 16.1(1), Divorce Act)
  • Interim order (Section 16.1(2), Divorce Act)
  • Application by person other than spouse (Section 16.1(3), Divorce Act)
  • Contents of parenting order (Section 16.1(4), Divorce Act)
  • Terms and conditions Section 16.1(5), Divorce Act)
  • Family dispute resolution process (Section 16.1(6), Divorce Act)
  • Relocation (Section 16.1(7), Divorce Act)
  • Supervision (Section 16.1(8), Divorce Act)
  • Prohibition on removal of child (Section 16.1(9), Divorce Act)
  • Parenting time – schedule (Section 16.2(1), Divorce Act)
  • Day-to-day decisions (Section 16.2(2), Divorce Act)
  • Allocation of decision-making responsibility (Section 16.3, Divorce Act)
  • Entitlement to information (Section 16.4, Divorce Act)
• Contact Orders
  • Contact order (Section 16.5(1), Divorce Act)
  • Interim order (Section 16.5(2), Divorce Act)
  • Leave of the court (Section 16.5(3), Divorce Act)
  • Factors in determining whether to make order (Section 16.5(4), Divorce Act)
  • Contents of contact order (Section 16.5(5), Divorce Act)
  • Terms and conditions (Section 16.5(6), Divorce Act)
  • Supervision (Section 16.5(7), Divorce Act)
  • Prohibition on removal of child (Section 16.5(8), Divorce Act)
  • Variation of parenting order (Section 16.5(9), Divorce Act)
• Parenting Plan
  • Parenting plan (Section 16.6(1), Divorce Act)
  • Definition of parenting plan (Section 16.6(2), Divorce Act)
• Change in Place of Residence
  • Non-application (Section 16.7, Divorce Act)
  • Notice (Section 16.8(1), Divorce Act)
  • Form and content of notice (Section 16.8(2), Divorce Act)
  • Exception (Section 16.8(3), Divorce Act)
  • Application without notice(Section 16.8(4), Divorce Act)
• Relocation
  • Notice (Section 16.9(1), Divorce Act)
  • Content of notice (Section 16.9(2), Divorce Act
  • Exception (Section 16.9(3), Divorce Act)
  • Application without notice (Section 16.9(4), Divorce Act)
  • Relocation authorized (Sections 16.91(1) and (2), Divorce Act)
  • Best interests of child – additional factors to be considered
    • Reasons for the relocation (Section 16.92(1)(a), Divorce Act)
    • Impact of the relocation on the child (Section 16.92(1)(b), Divorce Act)
    • Amount of time spent with the child (Section 16.92(1)(c), Divorce Act)
    • Compliance with notice requirements (Section 16.92(1)(d), Divorce Act)
    • Existence of an order, arbitral award or agreement specifying geographic area (Section 16.92(1)(e), Divorce Act)
    • Reasonableness of proposal (Section 16.92(1)(f), Divorce Act)
    • Compliance with obligations (Section 16.92(1)(g), Divorce Act)
  • Factor not to be considered (Section 16.92(2), Divorce Act)
  • Burden of proof – person who intends to relocate child (Section 16.93(1), Divorce Act)
  • Burden of proof – person who objects to relocation (Section 16.93(2), Divorce Act)
  • Burden of proof – other cases (Section 16.93(3), Divorce Act)
  • Power of court – interim order (Section 16.94, Divorce Act)
  • Costs relating to exercise of parenting time (Section 16.95, Divorce Act)
  • Notice – persons with contact (Section 16.96(1), Divorce Act)
  • Notice – significant impact (Section 16.96(2), Divorce Act)
  • Exception (Section 16.96(3), Divorce Act)
  • Application without notice (Section 16.96(4), Divorce Act)
• Variation, rescission, suspension
  • Variation order (Section 17(1), Divorce Act)
  • Leave of the court (Section 17(2), Divorce Act)
  • Variation of parenting order (Section 17(2.1), Divorce Act)
  • Variation of contact order (Section 17(2.2), Divorce Act)
  • Conditions of order (Section 17(3), Divorce Act)
  • Factors for parenting order or contact order (Section 17(5), Divorce Act)
  • Variation order (Section 17(5.1), Divorce Act)
  • Relocation – change in circumstances (Section 17(5.2), Divorce Act)
  • Relocation prohibited – no change in circumstances (Section 17(5.3), Divorce Act)
  • Priority to child support (Section 17(6.6), Divorce Act)
  • Repeal section 17(9) (Section 17(9), Divorce Act)
  • Copy of order (Section 17(11), Divorce Act)
• Interjurisdictional proceedings
  • Definitions
    • Competent authority (Section 18, Divorce Act)
    • Designated authority (Section 18, Divorce Act)
    • Designated jurisdiction (Section 18, Divorce Act)
    • Responsible authority (Section 18, Divorce Act)
  • Inter-Jurisdicitonal proceedings between provinces – Receipt and sending applications – If former spouses resides in different province (Section 18.1(1), Divorce Act)
  • Procedure (Section 18.1(2), Divorce Act)
  • Application (Section 18.1(3), Divorce Act)
  • Sending application to respondent’s province (Section 18.1(4), Divorce Act)
  • Sending application to competent authority in respondent’s province (Section 18.1(5), Divorce Act)
  • Provincial child support service (Section 18.1(6), Divorce Act)
  • Service on respondent by court (Section 18.1(7), Divorce Act)
  • Service not possible – returned application (Service 18.1(8), Divorce Act)
  • Respondent resident in another province (Section 18.1(9), Divorce Act)
  • Respondent’s habitual residence unknown (Section 18.1(10), Divorce Act)
  • Applicant need not be served (Section 18.1(11), Divorce Act)
  • Adjournment of proceeding (Section 18.1(12), Divorce Act)
  • Request for further evidence (Section 18.1(13), Divorce Act)
  • Dismissal of application (Section 18.1(14), Divorce Act)
  • Order (Section 18.1(15), Divorce Act)
  • Application of certain provisions (Section 18.1(16), Divorce Act)
  • Broad interpretation of documents (Section 18.1(17), Divorce Act)
• Conversion of Applications
  • Application to court (Section 18.2(1), Divorce Act)
  • Conversion and sending of application (Section 18.2(2), Divorce Act)
  • Exception (Section 18.2(3), Divorce Act)
  • Application of certain provisions (Section 18.2(4), Divorce Act)
  • No action by respondent (Section 18.3(1), Divorce Act)
  • Assignment of support order (Section 18.3(2), Divorce Act)
  • Application of certain provisions (Section 18.3(3), Divorce Act)
• Proceedings Between a Province and a Designated Jurisdiction
  • Receipt and Sending of Designated Jurisdictions’ Application – if applicant resides in designated jurisdiction (Section 19(1), Divorce Act)
  • Procedure (Section 19(2), Divorce Act)
  • Application (Section 19(3), Divorce Act)
  • Sending application to competent authority in respondent’s province (Section 19(4), Divorce Act)
  • Provincial child support service (Section 19(5), Divorce Act)
  • Service on respondent by court (Section 19(6), Divorce Act)
  • Service not possible – returned application (Section 19(7), Divorce Act)
  • Return of application to responsible authority (Section 19(8), Divorce Act)
  • Applicant need not be served (Section 19(9), Divorce Act)
  • Adjournment of proceeding (Section 19(10), Divorce Act)
  • Request for further evidence (Section 19(11), Divorce Act)
  • Dismissal of application (Section 19(12), Divorce Act)
  • Order (Section 19(13), Divorce Act)
  • Provisional order (Section 19(14), Divorce Act)
  • Application of certain provisions (Section 19(15), Divorce Act)
  • Broad interpretation of documents (Section 19(16), Divorce Act)
• Recognition of Decision of designated Jurisdiction
  • Recognition of decision of designated jurisdiction varying support order (Section 19.1(1), Divorce Act)
  • Registration and recognition (Section 19.1(2), Divorce Act)
  • Enforcement (Section 19.1(3), Divorce Act)
• Miscellaneous
  • Heading before s 20, Divorce Act
  • Legal effect of order and decisions throughout Canada (Section 20(2), Divorce Act)
  • Enforcement (Section 20(3), Divorce Act)
  • Assignment of an order to public body (Section 20.1(1)(f), Divorce Act)
  • Droit (Section 20.1(2), French version of the Divorce Act)
  • Rights – public body (Section 20.1(3), Divorce Act)
  • Definition of State Party (Section 20.1(4), Divorce Act)
  • Subsection 21.1(1) repealed (Section 21.1(1), Divorce Act)
  • Recognition of foreign divorce (Section 22(1), Divorce Act)
  • Recognition of foreign divorce (Section 22(2), Divorce Act)
  • Recognition of foreign order that varies parenting or contact order (Section 22.1(1), Divorce Act)
  • Effect of recognition (Section 22.1(2), Divorce Act)
  • Effect of non-recognition (Section 22.1(3), Divorce Act)
  • Recognition of foreign order that varies parenting or contact order (Section 22.1(1), Divorce Act)
  • Canada Evidence Act (Section 23(2), Divorce Act)
  • Means of presenting submissions (Section 23.1, Divorce Act)
• Official Languages
  • Official languages (Section 23.2(1), Divorce Act)
  • Language rights
    • Right to use either official language (Section 23.2(2), Divorce Act)
    • Simultaneous interpretation (Section 23.2(2), Divorce Act)
    • Right to a judge who speaks the same official language or both (Section 23.2(2), Divorce Act)
    • Right to request a transcript or recording (Section 23.2(2), Divorce Act)
    • Judgment or order (Section 23.2(2), Divorce Act)
    • Original version prevails (Section 23.2(3), Divorce Act)
    • Court forms (Section 23.2(4), Divorce Act)
• Miscellaneous
  • Rules for applications under section 23.1 (Section 25(2)(b.1), Divorce Act)
• Provincial child support service
  • Calculation of child support (Section 25.01(1), Divorce Act)
  • Application of law of province (Section 25.01(2), Divorce Act)
  • Effect of calculation by provincial child support service (Section 25.01(3), Divorce Act)
  • Liability (Section 25.01(4), Divorce Act)
  • Disagreement with respect to amount (Section 25.01(5), Divorce Act)
  • Effect of application (Section 25.01(6), Divorce Act)
  • Recalculation of amount or application for order (Section 25.01(7), Divorce Act)
  • Provincial child support service – recalculation of child support (Section 25.1(1), Divorce Act)
  • Application of law of province (section 25.1(1.1), Divorce Act)
  • Deeming of income (Section 25.1(1.2), Divorce Act)
  • Effect of deeming of income (Section 25.1(2.1), Divorce Act)
  • Liability (Section 25.1(3), Divorce Act)
  • Disagreement with recalculation (Section 25.1(4), Divorce Act)
  • Withdrawal of application (Section 25.1(6), Divorce Act)
  • Definition of child support order (Section 25.1(7), Divorce Act)
• Miscellaneous
  • Ministerial activities (Section 25.2, Divorce Act)
  • Règlements (Section 26(1), French version of the Divorce Act)
  • Regulations – Central registry of divorce proceedings (Section 26(1)(a), Divorce Act)
  • Regulations – Uniformity in rules (Section 26(1)(b), Divorce Act)
  • Regulations – calculation and recalculation (Section 26(1)(c), Divorce Act)
  • Regulations under Divorce Act (Section 26(1)(d), Divorce Act)
  • Regulations prevail (Section 26(2), Divorce Act)
  • Guidelines (Section 26.1(1), Divorce Act)
  • Guidelines – production of information (Section 26.1(1)(h), Divorce Act)
  • Guidelines – “order for child support” (Section 26.1(3)(c), Divorce Act)
  • Guidelines – “order for child support” (Section 26.1(3), Divorce Act)
  • Section 28 repealed (Section 28, Divorce Act)
  • Section 33 repealed (Section 33, Divorce Act)
  • Variation and enforcement of orders previously made (Section 34(1), Divorce Act)
  • Enforcement of interim orders (Section 34(2), Divorce Act)
  • Assignment of orders previously made (Section 34(3), Divorce Act)
  • Agreements entered into under subsection 25.1(1) (Section 35.2, Divorce Act)
  • Proceedings commenced before coming into force (Section 35.3, Divorce Act)
  • Person deemed to have parenting time and decision-making responsibility (Section 35.4, Divorce Act)
  • Person deemed to have contact order (Section 35.5, Divorce Act)
  • No notice (Section 35.6, Divorce Act)
  • No change in circumstances (Section 35.7, Divorce Act)
  • Variation of orders previously made (Section 35.8, Divorce Act)
  • Provisional orders (Section 35.9, Divorce Act)
  • Replacing "ordinarily" with "habitually" (Sections 2(1), 3(1), 4(1)(a) and 5(1)(a), Divorce Act)