Starting a divorce during pandemic

[Divorce_2025]

Hello Forum Members,

Hope you're keeping well and staying safe!

I'm a PR based in Toronto having completed 2 years here. Having gone through the website for Superior Court of Justice in Toronto, I'm still unclear on the specific situation of new divorce filings during COVID pandemic. Their website seems to imply having resumed operations virtually but couldn't find details specific to divorce cases.

I'd like to know if anyone has first hand knowledge or perhaps heard from someone within your social circle and able to respond on the following questions:
1) What is typical timeline for a mutual consent divorce with no children or shared assets? Specifically for Toronto.
2) With pandemic-related disruptions and adjustments, what is current timeline for such a case?
3) What is typical cost for getting such a divorce? Both court costs and lawyer costs if one is needed. A range will also help.

Additionally, is there any legal aid society in Toronto that can help for free or nominal costs for getting an overview of the process?

Thanks!

 

[Divorce_2025]

Update:

• I contacted Legal Aid Ontario who referred me to Law Society of Ontario
• Law Society of Ontario in turn referred me to a lawyer with whom I spoke

The lawyer quoted a fee of $2000 and a duration of 6 months for divorce to be finalized. However, the lawyer was unsure about current timelines especially given the pandemic. Said will consult with colleagues and get back (and yet to do so). Also, I felt the fee to be steep factoring in additional unexpected costs.

Question for members more knowledgeable on these matters:
1) Can you provide numbers, what can be considered as reasonable cost for a simple divorce (mutual consent, no children, no shared assets)?
2) What to expect in terms of how long is considered a reasonable duration for such a divorce?

Due to worsening pandemic situation and lockdown in Ontario, I'm not in a super rush to get the divorce started but it will help knowing the numbers for what will be considered a reasonable cost and time for the divorce.

Thanks!