The Divorce Act Changes Explained

Interjurisdictional proceedings

Responsible authority
(Section 18, Divorce Act)

New section

responsible authority means a person or entity that, in a designated jurisdiction, performs functions that are similar to those performed by the designated authority under subsection 19(4). (autorité responsable)

Old section

None.

What is the change

The amendment defines the term “responsible authority” as the person or entity in a designated jurisdiction that performs functions similar to those performed by a designated authority within Canada for the purpose of ss 18.1 through 19.1.

Reason for the change

The amendment clarifies which authorities are responsible in cases where one former spouse lives in a province and the other former spouse lives in a designated jurisdiction.

When

March 1, 2021.