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• The number of divorce cases in the seven reporting provinces and territories was just over 113,000 in 2010/2011. This figure represents more than one-third (35%) of all family law cases, or 12% of all civil court cases in these provinces and territories. 

• All divorces in Canada must go through a civil court in order to be legally recognized. There were almost 54,000 new divorce cases initiated in the seven reporting provinces and territories in 2010/2011, a decline of 2% from the year before.

• The number of new divorce cases being filed in civil courts has been declining in the reporting jurisdictions for several years. Over the five-year period between 2006/2007 and 2010/2011, new cases declined 8% in six provinces and territories, steadily decreasing 2% each year (excludes Alberta since data were not available for part of the time period). Over the five-year period, declines ranged from a decrease of 4% in British Columbia to a 22% drop in Nova Scotia.

• The majority of divorce cases (80%) being handled through courts in 2010/2011 were uncontested or cases where both parties were agreeing to the divorce and any related issues, such as support and child custody and access arrangements.

• Divorce cases rarely reach the trial stage. A trial was held in only 1% of divorce cases in six provinces and territories in 2010/2011 (excludes Ontario since figures are not comparable). 

• Among divorce cases with a divorce judgment in six reporting jurisdictions, one-third (33%) reached this decision within three months after the divorce was first filed (excludes British Columbia since these data were not available in 2010/2011). In another 28%, the divorce was granted between three and six months after case initiation.