Divorce is the legal process that terminates a marriage, allowing former spouses to remarry. In Canada, divorce is governed by the federal Divorce Act, which applies uniformly across provinces. To obtain a divorce, one spouse must demonstrate marriage breakdown through separation for at least one year (the most common ground), adultery, or physical or mental cruelty. The divorce process addresses division of family property (governed by provincial law), spousal support, child custody and parenting arrangements, and child support. Uncontested divorces where spouses agree on all terms can proceed relatively quickly; contested divorces involving disputes may take years. Family courts encourage mediation and negotiation to resolve issues. Following divorce, the parties may need to update wills, beneficiary designations, property titles, and other legal documents. Family lawyers help navigate the complex intersection of federal and provincial laws.