Divorce
In Canada, the only way for a married couple to complete dissolve the bonds of marriage is through a divorce.
De facto separation
A de facto separation generally occurs when two spouses agree to cease living together, or when one of the spouses leaves the family home.
Legal separation (separation from bed and board)
Unlike divorce, a legal separation does not break the bonds of marriage.
Dissolution of a civil union
A civil union is dissolved by a joint notarial declaration, the death of one of the spouses, the marriage of the spouses to each other or a court judgment.
Support payments for a former spouse
Following a legal separation, a divorce or the dissolution of a civil union, one former spouse may be required to pay support to the other former spouse.
Exemption from making support payments to a former spouse
With the agreement of your former spouse, you can apply to the court for an exemption from making support payments to a former spouse via Revenu Québec.
Partition of the family patrimony
The family patrimony is partitioned through a transfer of money a transfer of property of equal value to the amount owed to the other spouse.
Last update: April 6, 2023
