canadian divorce process

What You Should Know About Remarriage

Life can be strange and unpredictable. While many people dream of sharing forever with their one true love, sometimes marriages come to an end, either through divorce or death. Some are fortunate to find another love worth committing to through matrimony, especially much later in life. In many places, Canada included, stigmas surrounding remarriage are going away. If you’re lucky enough to marry a second time and want to celebrate with loved ones, here are some details worth your consideration.

Informing Your People

With a first wedding, couples are usually enthusiastic about making announcements to loved ones, either through word of mouth or sending save-the-date notices. How you let people know about your upcoming nuptials may be different the second time around. If you have children, especially from the previous union, you should let them know first. A new marriage can be a lot to process, regardless of your children’s ages. Be sure to let other friends and family members know also. You can choose to inform an ex-spouse, but be mindful of how that might impact that relationship as well as those of your children and mutual loved ones.

Inviting Who You Want

Speaking of ex-spouses, you should know that you’re free to invite anyone to your big day. As we get older, our relationships change. Some people fall out of our lives, and we form new bonds with new people. You don’t have to invite everyone who was at the first ceremony. No two couples will be the same, so your guest list should be what you and your partner decide.

Making It Your Own

A remarriage is entirely what you and your future spouse make of it. You absolutely can have the things you may or may not have had the first time around, such as a wedding shower, a bachelor/bachelorette party, a white gown and other customs. Solemnizing a union should be a joyous occasion, even if it’s not the first time. There’s wisdom in believing that how you start a thing can set the tone. If you and your partner want to go big, do so. It’s your wedding and you’ll fly if you want to!

Bringing the Kids

Including your children and your spouse’s children in the ceremony is important. It’s a great way to involve them and reinforce the idea that you still love them even if you’ve found someone new. Consider having the kids participate in the ceremony as part of the wedding processional or by doing something special like reading a poem or a passage from a religious text or favorite book. A child giving a toast to the newlyweds at the reception is also a nice touch.

Putting Together a Gift Registry

Couples who are marrying again are welcome to create a gift registry. Remember that gifts are a way for those near and dear to celebrate you and your love. If you go this route, consider items that are best suited for you and your future spouse’s life together. Don’t feel pressured to request things like flatware if you already have a great set. Consider including items at different price ranges so others can participate without undue financial burden. Be aware that some people may not buy presents, especially if they bought ones before.

Minding Your Venue

You and your partner may want to marry according to a particular religious tradition. Some sects may forbid second marriages. It’s important to confirm with the officiant as well as a church or faith institution that remarriage is allowed. Some faiths may require you to take additional steps before you can remarry.

Getting a second chance at marital bliss is something to be celebrated. No matter the reasons for the first union’s demise, you should feel free to have a second marriage according to your and your spouse’s preferences. Make your second big day everything you want it to be with those you cherish.

The Story Behind the Dropping Canadian Divorce Rate

Torn photo of home symbolizes divorceThe number of Canadian couples who filed for divorce dropped by 8 percent between 2006 and 2011, with consistent declines each year. While this positive news is encouraging, there were still over 53,000 couples who initiated divorce proceedings from 2010 to 2011. Many people attribute the dropping divorce rate to fewer partners choosing to marry in the first place and the shift in the traditional definition of family. There are now more couples in Canada that don’t have children than do. Cohabitation and common law unions have also increased in recent years.

Top Reasons for Getting Divorced

There are many reasons couples end up divorced. Here are some of the most common.

  • Different Values and Interests

Some partners may not truly discover their values and interests are misaligned until after they are married, which can cause big problems in a relationship. A disagreement that might have seemed minor when dating may develop into a huge point of contention after the wedding. People also evolve over time, and priorities, likes and dislikes can change during the course of a marriage.

  • Disagreements Over Finances

Money is a contributing factor in many divorces. One partner may be a spender while the other is a saver. Having a very candid conversation about finances before tying the knot is highly recommended.

  • Getting Married Too Young

The age at which partners marry can have a definite impact on the success or failure of the longevity of their relationship. Many studies have concluded people who wed later in life are less likely to get divorced. This trend has been linked to many factors. These factors include having time to date more people, dating the person you marry longer, more opportunity to focus on building a career and more time to fully realize what’s important and necessary for a successful relationship.

  • Infidelity

Infidelity is the cause of many divorces. Some partners may ultimately discover it is too difficult to commit to only one person. Relationships can also dissolve to a point where couples drive each other to search for someone else.

  • Substance Abuse

Having a strong, long-lasting marriage can be difficult, even under the best circumstances. If one or both spouses are addicted to alcohol or drugs, divorce is a much more likely outcome.

  • Emotional or Physical Abuse

Relationships that involve emotional or physical abuse are unhealthy, to say the least. Ending your marriage if you are subject to these circumstances is often the best alternative.

 

The High Rate of Divorce in Quebec

The percentage of couples who file for divorce varies by province and territory. The national average is approximately 37 percent. Quebec’s rate is substantially higher with a divorce rate of 48 percent, according to Statistics Canada. The lowest rate of divorce is 21 percent in Labrador and Newfoundland.

 

How Much Does Getting Divorced Cost?

The cost for getting divorced can vary widely depending on whether it is uncontested or contested. When spouses are in agreement about the terms of the divorce, including distribution of assets and custody arrangements if there are children, the proceedings are uncontested. The process is faster and less expensive because it often does not have to be resolved in court, and there are no legal fees. In 2011, the average cost of an uncontested divorce in Canada was $1,353, according to a survey by Canada Lawyers. In contested divorces, the financial stakes are usually higher and more complicated. Lawyers are involved and there may be a lengthy trial. The price tag for a contested in divorce in Canada in 2011 ranged from $7,208 to $74,122, with an average of $12,875.

Going through a divorce can be a difficult experience. The good news is fewer Canadian couples are getting divorced. However, there are many details behind this statistic that better clarify the true situation.