Joint Divorce Application in Nunavut: Form 7 Process

A joint divorce is the fastest and cheapest way to get divorced in Nunavut. Both spouses agree on everything — grounds for divorce, parenting arrangements, child support, spousal support, and property division — and co-sign a single petition (Form 7). No one has to be served. No response deadline runs. The entire process happens on paper.

Joint vs Sole: Which One Fits

Joint application (Form 7): Both spouses co-sign. No service required. Total cost approximately $210 to $265. Timeline: 2 to 4 months. Best when both parties are cooperative and have already agreed on all terms.

Sole petition (Form 1 + Form 2): One spouse files and serves the other. The respondent gets 25 to 60 days to respond. If no Answer is filed, the divorce proceeds uncontested. Total cost approximately $300 to $500 (including process service). Timeline: 3 to 5 months. Required when one spouse is uncooperative, cannot be located, or refuses to sign.

The joint application saves money (no process server fees) and time (no waiting for service and the response window). But it requires both spouses to agree on every term and physically sign the same document before a Commissioner of Oaths.

How to File a Joint Application

Step 1 — Complete Form 7: Both spouses fill out the Joint Petition for Divorce, listing the grounds (typically one-year separation), the agreed parenting arrangements, and any support or property terms. Both spouses must sign before a Commissioner of Oaths.

Step 2 — Prepare financial forms (if applicable): If the petition includes child support, spousal support, or property claims, attach Form 8 (Financial Statement) for each spouse, plus Form 9 (Statement of Property) if property is divided. Include three years of tax returns and Notices of Assessment.

Step 3 — File at the Iqaluit registry: Submit the originals plus two copies at the Nunavut Justice Centre (Building 510) or email them to [email protected] with Practice Directive #18 endorsements. Pay the filing fee ($200 to $255) plus the $10 federal registry fee.

Step 4 — Wait for federal clearance: The registry transmits your details to the Central Registry of Divorce Proceedings in Ottawa. The clearance certificate confirming no other divorce proceeding exists takes 2 to 6 weeks.

Step 5 — Submit the desk-order request: File Form 13 (Affidavit of Applicant — joint version). A judge reviews the complete file on paper and signs Form 14 (Divorce Judgment). This review typically takes 4 to 8 weeks.

Step 6 — Wait 31 days, then get your Certificate: The mandatory appeal period runs from the date the judgment is signed. After 31 days, request Form 17 (Certificate of Divorce) — the only document that proves the marriage is legally dissolved.

When a Joint Application Is Not Possible

You need a sole petition if your spouse refuses to cooperate, cannot be located, is incarcerated and unwilling to sign, or if you disagree on any term — even one. A joint application requires full agreement. If negotiations break down partway through, you can convert to a sole petition (Form 1) and serve the respondent.

The Nunavut Divorce Filing Process Guide covers both joint and sole paths with form-by-form instructions, so you can switch tracks without starting over.

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