Fill out the schedules that apply to you
You'll need:
- The schedules that relate to the orders you want
Fill out Schedule 1 if you're applying for a divorce, including if your spouse agrees to getting a divorce.
Grounds for divorce
You've been living separately for at least one year
Usually the grounds for divorce are that you've been living separately and apart from your spouse for at least one year.
Adultery or physical or mental cruelty
You can apply for a divorce before you have lived separately for one year, on the grounds of adultery or physical or mental cruelty. If you ask for a divorce for one of these reasons, you have to present evidence to the court to prove the facts of the adultery or physical or mental cruelty.
File proof of your marriage
If you're asking the court to grant you a divorce either now or at a later date, you need to file proof of your marriage (usually a marriage certificate) along with your Notice of Family Claim. If you don't have a copy of your marriage certificate, see Getting a copy of your marriage certificate.
If you expect your divorce to be uncontested
If you're asking for a divorce and you expect it to be uncontested (your spouse agrees with the divorce and won't file a response), you must have earlier court orders or an agreement settling all your issues. A judge won't order a divorce unless they're satisfied that reasonable arrangements have been made to support your children
Fill out Schedule 2 if you're asking the court for any order related to your children. This includes orders for child support, guardianship, parental responsibilities, parenting time, contact with a child, custody, and access. For more information, see Parenting apart and Child support.
You need to provide all the information requested. If you're asking for a divorce, the court won't make an order unless they're satisfied that reasonable arrangements have been made for the children.
Arrangements for parenting refers to who will be responsible for making decisions about the children and if and how they will spend time with each parent.
If you're applying for an undefended divorce and asking for child support, make sure you fill in:
- the amount of support you want, and
- an amount for your spouse's income. If you're not sure, make your best estimate.
If you don't provide this information, the court may not make an order.
Fill out Schedule 3 if you're asking the court to make an order for spousal support.
If you're married or lived together for at least two years, you must claim spousal support within two years of the divorce judgment.
If you're applying for an undefended divorce and asking for spousal support, make sure you fill in:
- the amount of support you want, and
- an amount for your spouse's income. If you're not sure, make your best estimate.
If you don't provide this information, the court may not make an order.
Schedule 4 is required if you're asking the court for any order to do with property and debt, like how you'll divide your property and other assets, and your debts.
For information, see Dividing property and debts after you separate and Dealing with debts after separation.
Complete Schedule 5 if you're asking for any other order, including a name change, a family law protection order, or an order declaring someone to be a child's parent.