In Canada you don’t need your spouse’s permission or signature to get a divorce.
One spouse cannot prevent a divorce by refusing to agree or sign documents. In Canada you can move forward with a divorce if the legal requirements are met even if your spouse does not want the marriage to end.
Your affair (or theirs) usually won’t change the property split
Many people walk into a separation already convinced that bad behaviour will be punished. In British Columbia, it almost never is. The system focuses on money, the structure of the relationship, and the child’s best interests, not on who was the “better” spouse.
Think before you send the angry messages, they could end up in front of a judge.
The most damaging decisions in a family law matter are frequently made in the first few days, before anyone has spoken to a lawyer. Sending long, angry or accusatory messages, moving out of the home, changing the locks, withdrawing large sums of money, or involving the children can make an already difficult situation even harder and more expensive to fix.
You are not alone.
Navigating divorce can feel overwhelming.
You don’t have to figure this out by yourself. We’ll help connect you with someone who will listen, understand your situation, and help you see a clearer path forward.