The Divorce Act Changes Explained

Official Languages

Court forms
(Section 23.2(4), Divorce Act)

New section

Court forms

(4) The court forms relating to any proceedings under this Act shall be made available in both official languages.
Old section

None.

What is the change

The court forms related to any proceedings under the Act shall be made available in both official languages.

Reason for the change

The amendment improves access to justice. This provision mirrors s 849(3) of the Criminal Code, which provides that pre-printed portions of forms prescribed by Part XXVIII of the Criminal Code shall be printed in both official languages. A similar provision can also be found in Part III (Administration of Justice) of the Official Languages Act, which applies to federal courts.

When

The change will come into force by Order in Council. In force in Manitoba, Yukon and Nunavut, as of March 1, 2021. In force in Ontario and Saskatchewan, as of February 1, 2022. In force in British Columbia, as of December 1, 2024.