Family-law forms are process-specific. The form used to start a family application is different from the form used to start a divorce, respond to an application, seek interim relief or vary a final order. Always check the current official court form and rule before filing.
Rule 59 Family Division forms
The Civil Procedure Rules include forms for notices of application, responses, divorce petitions and answers, variation applications and other Family Division procedures. The Courts of Nova Scotia publishes the current Rule 59 forms and identifies the consolidated Civil Procedure Rules forms as the official versions if another web copy differs.
Family Division statements and practice forms
Depending on the relief sought, a family proceeding may also require a parenting statement or financial statements dealing with income, expenses, special expenses or property. Family Division practice materials also include forms for interim relief, uncontested divorce evidence and other case-management steps.
Divorce forms
Nova Scotia Family Law identifies three common ways to start a divorce: a Petition for Divorce, a Joint Application for Divorce and an Application for Divorce by Written Agreement. The correct package depends on whether the spouses are applying together, whether all issues are resolved and whether service and a response process are required.
Parenting, support and variation forms
Applications about parenting arrangements, child support or spousal support can require a Notice of Application plus issue-specific statements and supporting documents. A final order that needs to be changed is generally addressed through a variation process rather than by starting the same application again. The required documents depend on the existing order and the relief requested.
Interjurisdictional support forms
When the parties live in different jurisdictions, child or spousal support may use the NS ISO or Divorce Act ISO process. Those applications use a separate forms package and should not be confused with ordinary local Family Division forms.
Before filing
Confirm the court location, current version of the form, required copies, supporting documents, service requirements and any filing fee. Forms are procedural tools; choosing a form does not determine which legal claims are available or whether the evidence meets the applicable legal test.
Official form sources
- Nova Scotia Courts — Civil Procedure Rules Forms
- Nova Scotia Courts — Family Division Practice Memorandum Forms
- Nova Scotia Family Law — Divorce Forms
- Nova Scotia Family Law — Parenting Forms