Guide to Uncontested Divorce in Yukon

Uncontested / Simple Divorce in Yukon: A Plain-English Guide to the Joint Statement of Claim (Family Law Form 1) and “Desk Divorce”

If you and your spouse agree the marriage is over and you want to avoid a long, expensive court battle, an uncontested divorce in Yukon is often the most practical way to legally end the marriage. Instead of arguing in front of a judge, the focus is on paperwork-using the correct Yukon terminology and giving the Supreme Court of Yukon what it needs to grant a Divorce Judgment.

This guide explains, in plain language, how a simple divorce in Yukon usually works: who qualifies, the main steps, how long it can take, and where a DIY approach can fit in. It’s written for people who want an affordable Yukon divorce, prefer to stay organized and self-represented, and (where possible) want to avoid hiring lawyers.

Important disclaimer: PlainDivorce is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This article is general legal information only. Court rules, forms, and fees can change. Always confirm details with official Yukon sources or speak with a Yukon family lawyer if you’re unsure about your situation.

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Table of Contents

• 1. What is an uncontested or “simple” divorce in Yukon?
• 2. The Yukon “Golden Keywords”: Joint Statement of Claim (Form 1) and Desk Divorce
• 3. Who qualifies for an uncontested divorce in Yukon?
• 4. Step-by-step overview of the Yukon uncontested divorce process
• 5. Process flowchart (Joint vs. Sole)
• 6. Special issues when you have children
• 7. How long does an uncontested divorce take in Yukon?
• 8. What does an uncontested divorce cost in Yukon?
• 9. When a DIY divorce might not be right for you
• 10. Where a self-help divorce kit fits into the process
• 11. Final thoughts and next steps

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1. What Is an Uncontested or “Simple” Divorce in Yukon?

In Canada, divorce is governed by the federal Divorce Act, but the procedure and forms are handled locally. In Yukon, divorce cases go through the Supreme Court of Yukon.

In everyday language, an uncontested divorce in Yukon (sometimes called a “simple divorce”) is a case where nobody is asking the judge to resolve a fight in court. Instead, the court reviews your paperwork and sworn evidence, and then grants a Divorce Judgment.

A Yukon divorce is usually “uncontested” in one of two ways:

• Joint filing: you and your spouse file together using a Joint Statement of Claim (the key Yukon term).
• Sole filing that stays uncontested: one spouse files a Statement of Claim (Family Law Form 1), serves the other spouse, and the other spouse does not file a response opposing the divorce.

In many uncontested cases, the court can decide the divorce without a hearing based on affidavits-often described as a Desk Divorce (a judge reviews the file in chambers). This is especially important in a territory where travel to Whitehorse can be expensive and inconvenient.

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2. The Yukon “Golden Keywords”: Joint Statement of Claim (Form 1) and Desk Divorce

If you want your guide (and your kit page) to rank for high-intent Yukon searches, the terminology matters:

• Statement of Claim (Family Law Form 1): This is the initiating document name used in Yukon (not “petition” or “application” in the generic sense).
• Joint Statement of Claim: The cooperative “file together” approach. This is the strongest hook because it usually eliminates the need for service of process (no process server, no sheriff service, no chasing signatures after filing).
• Uncontested Divorce (Desk Divorce): The practical benefit-many cases can be decided based on sworn paperwork rather than a courtroom hearing.
• Affidavit of Applicant: The sworn statement that replaces oral testimony and supports the court making a decision on the file.
• Application for Judgment: The formal “final request” asking the judge to review the file and grant the divorce.
• Divorce Judgment: The judge’s signed decision granting the divorce.

Put simply: in Yukon, DIY filers get stuck when they use the wrong labels. Using the court’s language (Form 1, Joint Statement of Claim, Application for Judgment) makes your content feel “local” and trustworthy instead of generic.

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3. Who Qualifies for an Uncontested Divorce in Yukon?

Before you invest time in forms, confirm two basics: jurisdiction (residency) and legal grounds.

Residency requirement (the one-year rule)

To get divorced in Yukon, at least one spouse must have lived in Yukon for at least one year immediately before the divorce case is started. If neither of you meets this requirement, the Supreme Court may not have jurisdiction to grant the divorce.

Grounds for divorce (breakdown of the marriage)

Across Canada, the legal basis for divorce is “breakdown of the marriage.” Most uncontested cases rely on one-year separation (living “separate and apart” for at least 12 months). Adultery or cruelty are possible grounds too, but they often complicate DIY cases.

When Yukon uncontested divorce is a good fit

• You meet the residency rule (one spouse in Yukon for at least one year).
• You can rely on one-year separation (most common for uncontested).
• You and your spouse agree the marriage is over.
• You have workable arrangements for children, support, and property (or those issues are already dealt with by agreement or prior orders).
• You can stay organized with deadlines and paperwork.

When uncontested divorce may not be the best option

• Family violence, coercion, intimidation, or safety concerns.
• Serious disputes about parenting time, decision-making, relocation, or support.
• Complex finances (business ownership, multiple properties, pensions, hidden assets).
• Immigration, cross-border, or significant tax issues tied to separation/divorce.

If any of these red flags apply, consider getting legal advice-even if you still hope to keep the case amicable.

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4. Step-by-Step Overview of the Yukon Uncontested Divorce Process

Below is a plain-English roadmap of how an uncontested divorce typically moves through the Supreme Court of Yukon. Your exact steps can vary depending on whether you file jointly or alone, and whether you have children or support claims.

Step 1 – Confirm you qualify

• Confirm the one-year Yukon residency rule is met.
• Confirm a ground for divorce (most often one-year separation).
• Locate your marriage certificate (or certified copy, if required).

Step 2 – Settle children, support, and property first (if possible)

Uncontested does not mean “no responsibilities.” If you have children, the court will want to see reasonable parenting arrangements and child support. If support or property is in play, you’ll want a clear agreement or a clear plan. Many couples record this in a written separation agreement.

Step 3 – Prepare the initiating document: Statement of Claim (Family Law Form 1)

This is where Yukon differs from many generic guides. In Yukon, the initiating document is commonly called a Statement of Claim (Family Law Form 1). If you are filing together, you use the Joint Statement of Claim approach.

Pro tip for DIYers: If you can file a Joint Statement of Claim, you often avoid the biggest logistical headache in territorial divorces: service of process (and the cost and delays that come with it).

Step 4 – File your documents with the Supreme Court of Yukon

Once your documents are complete, you file them with the court registry and pay the required filing fees. Keep stamped copies of everything and track your dates carefully.

Step 5 – Serve your spouse (only if it’s not joint)

If you did not file jointly, you’ll usually need to have the filed Statement of Claim served on your spouse according to the court rules. You typically cannot serve the documents yourself. The person who serves them completes proof of service (often by affidavit), which you then file.

Step 6 – “Desk Divorce” stage: Affidavit of Applicant + Application for Judgment

This is the step many DIY filers don’t expect: even when everything is uncontested, you normally still need to formally ask the judge to review the file. That’s where the Application for Judgment comes in.

In an uncontested Yukon divorce, the court typically relies on sworn evidence-often an Affidavit of Applicant-so the judge can decide the case without a hearing (the practical idea of a Desk Divorce).

Step 7 – Receive the Divorce Judgment and get your proof of divorce

If the judge is satisfied, the court grants a Divorce Judgment. Under the Divorce Act, divorces generally become effective after a waiting/appeal period (commonly 31 days). After the divorce is effective, you can request a Certificate of Divorce as formal proof (often needed for remarriage or paperwork updates).

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5. Process overview (Joint vs. Sole)

Process Flow (Joint filing — “Desk Divorce” path):
Joint Statement of Claim (no service) → File with the Supreme Court of Yukon → Affidavit of Applicant (sworn evidence) → Application for Judgment (request desk review) → Divorce Judgment → 31-day waiting/appeal period → Certificate of Divorce

Sole Statement of Claim (Form 1) → file → serve spouse → response period → Affidavit of Applicant → Application for Judgment → Divorce Judgment → waiting period → Certificate of Divorce

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6. Special Issues When You Have Children

If you have children, the court will look closely at whether arrangements are reasonable and in the children’s best interests. Even in an uncontested file, unclear child support or vague parenting details can delay a Desk Divorce.

• Parenting arrangements: where the children live, parenting time schedule, and how major decisions are made.
• Child support: usually expected to align with the Federal Child Support Guidelines, or you should be prepared to explain why a different amount is still reasonable.
• Disclosure: be ready to provide income information if support is an issue.

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7. How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Yukon?

There are usually three time components:

• One-year separation: most uncontested divorces rely on separation for at least 12 months by the time the court grants the divorce.
• Court processing: filing, service (if needed), and the judge’s desk review timeline can vary based on registry workload and whether your paperwork is complete.
• Waiting/appeal period: divorces generally take effect after a waiting period (commonly 31 days) following the Divorce Judgment.

If you can file a Joint Statement of Claim and keep the file clean and complete, you often avoid delays caused by service and missed steps-one of the biggest reasons DIY cases stall.

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8. What Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost in Yukon?

Yukon divorces are among the more affordable in Canada, but it’s still important to budget correctly. As of 2026, the current filing fee is $210.00, payable to the Government of Yukon. This fee is due when you file your Statement of Claim (or Joint Statement of Claim) with the Supreme Court of Yukon.

• Court filing fee: $210 (payable to the Government of Yukon when you open your divorce file).
• Service costs (sole filings): If you do not file jointly, add process-server or sheriff service fees.
• Commissioner or notary fees: For swearing affidavits such as the Affidavit of Applicant.
• Certificate of Divorce fee: Small extra cost if you request the certificate once the 31-day period has passed.
• Copies and printing: Extra for certified copies or registry photocopying (varies by page).

Money-saving reality in Yukon: Filing a Joint Statement of Claim can save money and time by avoiding the need for formal service, often the most expensive and frustrating step in a sole divorce.

Note: Court fees and disbursements can change. Always confirm the current fee schedule with the Supreme Court registry before filing.

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9. When a DIY Divorce Might Not Be Right for You

DIY is not a good fit in every case. Consider getting legal advice if:

• There is family violence, coercion, threats, or stalking.
• You suspect hidden assets, hidden income, or financial manipulation.
• You don’t understand your rights around property, pensions, or spousal support.
• There are serious disputes about children or safety.
• Your situation involves immigration or complex cross-border issues.

A “cheap divorce” can become very expensive later if you sign an unfair agreement or miss critical rights. Even one consult with a Yukon family lawyer can help you understand risks before you file.

Download Our Yukon Uncontested Divorce (Dissolution) Self-Help Kit

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10. Where a Self-Help Divorce Kit Fits Into the Process

Many self-represented spouses aren’t confused about the decision to divorce-they’re confused by the sequence: “What do I file first? What is Form 1? When do I file the Affidavit? What is the Application for Judgment?”

A Yukon-focused self-help kit can help by:

• Explaining the Yukon vocabulary (e.g., Statement of Claim (Family Law Form 1) and Application for Judgment).
• Showing the “Desk Divorce” pathway using the Affidavit of Applicant as sworn evidence.
• Providing checklists so you don’t miss signatures, exhibits, service, or follow-up steps.
• Keeping you organized-especially helpful if you’re outside Whitehorse and want fewer trips.

Download Our Yukon Uncontested Divorce Self-Help Kit

PlainDivorce kits are designed for uncontested, self-represented cases. They are not legal advice, and you’re still responsible for confirming the latest Yukon forms and requirements before filing.

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11. Final Thoughts and Next Steps

When spouses can cooperate, a Yukon uncontested divorce can often be handled through a Desk Divorce process-meaning the judge reviews the file based on sworn documents and grants a Divorce Judgment without a full hearing. For many people, the most important “pro move” is using Yukon’s correct initiating terminology: Statement of Claim (Family Law Form 1)-and, when possible, filing as a Joint Statement of Claim to avoid the service step.

Your next steps might be:

• Confirm you meet the one-year Yukon residency rule.
• Confirm your ground for divorce (usually one-year separation).
• Agree (where safe) on children, support, and property terms and put them in writing.
• Decide whether you can file a Joint Statement of Claim or need a sole filing.
• Use a checklist to track the Affidavit of Applicant and Application for Judgment stage so your file can be decided on the desk.

Finally, remember: this is legal information only. If anything about your case feels unsafe, unfair, or complex, it’s worth getting legal advice before you file.