Divorce is governed principally by the federal Divorce Act but is processed through the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (Family Division) using Nova Scotia court rules and forms. Divorce legally ends a marriage; separation alone does not.
Sources checked September 29, 2026.
Eligibility and jurisdiction
A divorce proceeding requires a valid marriage, marriage breakdown and a court with jurisdiction under the Divorce Act.
- Nova Scotia residence
- marriage certificate
- breakdown of marriage
Grounds for divorce
Marriage breakdown can be established through separation or, in specified circumstances, adultery or cruelty.
- one-year separation
- adultery
- physical or mental cruelty
Ways to start
Nova Scotia materials distinguish a petition, a joint application and an application by written agreement.
- petition for divorce
- joint application
- application by written agreement
Contested and uncontested divorce
Whether spouses agree on divorce-related issues affects procedure, documents, service and whether disputed relief must be adjudicated.
- service
- answer to petition
- uncontested affidavit evidence
Orders and proof of divorce
The process can produce a Divorce Order and, where other relief is addressed, a Corollary Relief Order; a Divorce Certificate confirms the divorce after it takes effect.
- Divorce Order
- Corollary Relief Order
- Divorce Certificate
Official sources
- Nova Scotia Family Law — Divorce Guide
- Nova Scotia Family Law — Divorce Forms
- Justice Canada — Divorce Act
- Nova Scotia Courts — Rule 59 Forms