The standard court filing fee to start a divorce at the Court of King’s Bench in Manitoba is $210 CAD. This includes the base petition fee and a mandatory federal registry search, though other minor costs like obtaining your final certificate ($30 CAD) will apply later.
Understanding the financial aspects of ending a marriage is crucial for proper planning. When you file for divorce, you are not just dealing with potential lawyer fees; you must also pay mandatory government court fees. In Manitoba, these fees are regulated by the provincial government and apply to everyone, regardless of whether your split is amicable or highly contested.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the exact court filing fees for a divorce in Manitoba. We will outline the costs at each step of the process, from the initial Petition for Divorce to the final certificate. To ensure your documents are filed correctly the first time and your fees are not wasted on rejected forms, consider reaching out to a trusted family lawyer from our directory.
Step-by-Step Process in Manitoba
All divorce proceedings in the province—whether you reside in Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, or Thompson—must go through the Family Division of the Court of King’s Bench. 📍 The payment of fees is required at specific stages of your case.
Step 1: Filing the Petition for Divorce
Your case begins when you file a Petition for Divorce (Form 70A) or a Joint Petition for Divorce (Form 70A.1). When you submit this initiating document to the court registry, you must pay the primary filing fee. The court will then process your paperwork and apply for a clearance certificate from the Central Registry of Divorce Proceedings in Ottawa to ensure no other divorce cases are active across Canada.
Step 2: Filing an Answer (If Contested)
If your spouse files a standard Petition for Divorce and you disagree with their claims regarding parenting time, child support, or property division, you must file an Answer (Form 70C). 📄 Filing this response also comes with its own specific court fee to officially register your opposition with the Court of King’s Bench.
Step 3: Interlocutory Motions and Final Steps
Throughout a contested divorce, you or your lawyer might need to file a Notice of Motion to ask a judge for temporary orders, such as interim spousal support. Each motion carries a fee. Finally, once the judge signs your Divorce Judgment, you will eventually want to order your official Certificate of Divorce, which requires a small final payment.
How Much Does it Cost in Manitoba?
The Manitoba government sets out specific tariffs for family law services under the Court Services Fees Regulation. Here are the current relevant court fees as of 2026.
| Document / Procedure | Filing Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Filing a Petition for Divorce (Includes CRDP fee) | $210 |
| Filing an Answer or Notice of Opposition | $50 |
| Filing a Notice of Motion | $50 |
| Request for Triage Conference | $50 |
| Ordering a Certificate of Divorce | $30 |
| Certifying a Court Document | $30 |
Remember that court fees are separate from lawyer fees, process server costs, and the cost of obtaining a marriage certificate from Vital Statistics. 💸
How Long Does the Process Take?
Paying your fees at the registry is instantaneous, but the overall divorce timeline is not. An uncontested joint divorce usually takes 3 to 6 months to process. ⏱ If your divorce is contested and requires multiple motions, triage conferences, and a full trial at the Court of King’s Bench, the process can easily stretch from 1 to 3 years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I pay my court filing fees?
The Manitoba courts accept payments in cash, certified cheque, or money order. All cheques and money orders must be made payable to the “Minister of Finance.” Personal cheques are typically not accepted.
Are there extra fees to divide property?
The initial $210 filing fee for the Petition covers your request for a divorce as well as other relief, including property division under The Family Property Act, spousal support, and parenting orders.
What happens if I make a mistake on the forms?
If the court registry rejects your document due to critical errors before filing, you will need to correct it. However, if you need to formally amend a pleading after it has been filed, an amendment fee (usually around $20) may apply depending on the procedure.
Does Manitoba have a fee waiver form?
Unlike some provinces, Manitoba does not have a straightforward, standalone fee waiver application for family court fees. Individuals who cannot afford the costs generally seek representation and fee assistance through Legal Aid Manitoba.
Do I have to pay to serve my spouse?
If you are not filing a Joint Petition, you must arrange to personally serve your spouse with the court documents. Hiring a professional process server is a separate, private expense that usually ranges from $100 to $200 CAD, depending on the distance travelled.
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