Nova Scotia
Divorce in Nova Scotia
Matrimonial Property Act Guide
Nova Scotia's Matrimonial Property Act presumes equal division of matrimonial assets. Unlike some Western provinces, NS does not grant automatic property rights to common-law couples.
1.0M
Population
1,800+
Annual Divorces
$274
Filing Fee
6
Supreme Court Locations
Nova Scotia does not provide automatic property division rights for common-law couples under the Matrimonial Property Act. Common-law partners should consider cohabitation agreements to protect their interests.
Matrimonial Assets
Assets subject to equal division:
- Matrimonial home
- Real estate acquired during marriage
- Vehicles, bank accounts, investments
- RRSPs and pension benefits
- Business interests from marriage
Exempt Assets
Property that may be excluded:
- Property owned before marriage
- Gifts from third parties
- Inheritances
- Personal injury awards
- Property excluded by agreement
Nova Scotia Family Law Rules
| Feature | Nova Scotia Rule | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equal Division | Presumption of equal division of matrimonial assets |
| Common-Law | Limited Rights | No automatic property rights for common-law couples |
| Matrimonial Home | Protected | Special protections for the family home |
| Business Assets | Divisible | Business interests may be divided as matrimonial property |
| Child Support | NS Tables | Federal Guidelines with NS tax rates |
Nova Scotia Support Calculations
NS Child Support
Federal Child Support Guidelines apply:
- Table amounts based on payor income
- Nova Scotia-specific tax rates
- Section 7 expenses shared
- Shared custody adjustments
NS Spousal Support
SSAG guidelines applied:
- NS courts reference SSAG ranges
- Duration and quantum guidance
- Self-sufficiency expectations
- Compensatory considerations
Nova Scotia Court Locations
Halifax
Supreme Court of Nova Scotia
1815 Upper Water St
902-424-4900
Sydney
Supreme Court of Nova Scotia
136 Charlotte St
902-563-2130
Dartmouth
Supreme Court of Nova Scotia
277 Pleasant St
902-424-4900
Truro
Supreme Court of Nova Scotia
540 Prince St
902-893-5840
Navigate Your Nova Scotia Divorce with Confidence
Nova Scotia property division tools, child support calculator, and expert guidance.