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Divorce · 02

Divorce process & forum

The first job is process and forum, not a full case plan. Children, assets and foreign orders have their own topic routes.

First job Identify the viable process and forum before planning the case.

Start here

Key considerations

  1. Is the question mutual-consent, contested court, or forum choice?
  2. Where does each spouse live, and where was the marriage formed?
  3. Are there children, significant assets or existing orders?

Decision map

Keep the question bounded.

  1. Separate process from outcomeMutual-consent and court routes answer different first questions.
  2. Collect forum factsResidence, nationality, marriage place and existing proceedings.
  3. Flag connected issuesMove children, property and foreign orders to their topic routes.

Curated resources

Open the asset that matches this job.

Helpful to prepare

Facts that make the next conversation clearer.

These items are orientation aids, not a legal requirement list.

  1. Current location of each spouse
  2. Marriage documents and any prior filings
  3. Whether children or substantial assets are involved
  4. Any overseas proceeding already started

Local context

Add the city only when it changes implementation.

Local court and administrative implementation can matter after the national legal question is identified.

Open city and province guides

Counsel hand-off

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Move from general legal information to advice on your specific facts and jurisdiction.

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Directory and legal information only — not legal advice. Confirm current rules with qualified counsel.

Editorial policy · Last reviewed August 2026 · Divorce & Family