The Divorce Act Changes Explained

Miscellaneous

Effect of recognition
(Section 22.1(2), Divorce Act)

New section

Effect of recognition

(2) The court’s decision recognizing the competent authority’s decision is deemed to be an order made under section 17 and has legal effect throughout Canada.
Old section

None.

What is the change

An order recognizing a decision is deemed to be a variation order and has legal effect across Canada.

Reason for the change

Where a court recognizes an order under s 22.1(1), the order is to be treated as a variation order. The effect of this is that it has legal effect across Canada (in all provinces and territories).

When

March 1, 2021.