The Divorce Act Changes Explained

Proceedings Between a Province and a Designated Jurisdiction

Sending application to competent authority in respondent's province
(Section 19(4), Divorce Act)

New section

Sending application to competent authority in respondent’s province

(4) After reviewing the application and ensuring that it is complete, the designated authority referred to in subsection (3) shall send it to the competent authority in its province.
Old section

None.

What is the change

After receiving an application, the provincial designated authority must review the form for completeness and send the application to the appropriate competent authority in its province. The competent authority may be a court (generally the court closest to the respondent’s residence), or the provincial child support service (if available in the receiving jurisdiction).

Reason for the change

The amendment improves administrative efficiency. The designated authority must ensure that the application includes all information necessary for a court to make an order or for a provincial child support service to make a decision. The designated authority must also send the completed application to the appropriate competent authority.

When

March 1, 2021.