Divorce Process in New Brunswick

New Brunswick divorces are processed through the Court of King's Bench, Family Division. The federal Divorce Act applies with New Brunswick-specific court procedures. As Canada's only officially bilingual province, you can conduct your divorce proceedings in either English or French.

New Brunswick follows the federal Divorce Act grounds: one year of separation (most common), adultery, or mental or physical cruelty. The separation ground is most frequently used and doesn't require either spouse to be 'at fault.'

Either you or your spouse must have lived in New Brunswick for at least one year before filing. File with the Court of King's Bench Family Division in the judicial district where you live.

Begin with a Petition for Divorce. Uncontested divorces can proceed without a hearing through a desk divorce process. Contested matters require applications, case management conferences, and potentially trial.

Uncontested divorces typically take 3-4 months. Contested matters take longer depending on complexity. Court fees are approximately $150-200 for filing. Legal costs vary widely based on complexity.