Divorce can be messy and complex. You might be ready to hurry up and move on from the past.
In Canada, you can not legally be married to 2 people at the same time, but that doesn’t mean there is a special waiting period between marriages.
It is mostly a paperwork issue.
How Long After Divorce Can You Remarry in Alberta?
Amount of Time between Marriages
There is no official waiting period.
Once your divorce is finalized in Alberta, you can remarry immediately.
However, the time it takes to finalize a divorce can vary, generally ranging from around a month to much longer, depending on the circumstances.
It really comes down to how simple or complex your divorce situation is, or what the grounds were, among other things.
As soon as you have a certificate of divorce, you are good to go.
Source: More details about the divorce process in Alberta
Grounds for Divorce in Alberta
To understand the timeline for a divorce, it’s important to know the legally accepted grounds for divorce in Alberta, as specified by the Divorce Act:
- Separation: One year of living apart is required.
- Adultery: Can be filed anytime after it becomes known and must be proven.
- Cruelty: Immediate filing is possible; evidence of cruelty is required.
Before You File
Before initiating the divorce process:
- Review the grounds for divorce.
- Consult a lawyer for legal advice.
Special Considerations
- If you have dependent children: You must complete the Parenting After Separation course.
- Marriage outside of Canada: You can file in Alberta if you or your spouse have resided in Alberta for at least one year.
Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce
- Uncontested Divorce: All issues such as custody, support, and access are agreed upon. Usually quicker to finalize, sometimes within a month.
- Contested Divorce: Disagreements on key issues lead to a longer process, potentially extending the time needed to finalize the divorce.
Finalization Process
- Certificate of Divorce: Once obtained, you are free to remarry immediately.
In Summary
- You can remarry in Alberta as soon as your divorce is finalized.
- The time it takes to finalize a divorce can range from a month to much longer, depending on whether it’s uncontested or contested.
- Before filing for divorce, it’s advisable to consult a lawyer and be aware of the specific grounds for divorce.
- If you have dependent children, completing the Parenting After Separation course is mandatory.
- A Certificate of Divorce is your legal clearance to remarry.
