How do I fill out a Final Order form (F52) for an uncontested divorce?

Last reviewed January 2025 by the Clicklaw editors

When filing paperwork for an uncontested divorce, one of the forms you have to complete is F52, the Final Order (PDF). It’s used to formalize the final decision and the outcome of the court proceeding.

How you fill out F52 will depend on what form you used to start the divorce:

It’s a good idea to have the F1 or F3 next to you to refer to. It lists every order you’re asking for as part of the divorce. These orders also need to be listed on the F52 — the forms have to match.

For a joint application (F1): Both you and your ex-spouse will have to sign the F52 at the court registry or in front of a notary before it can be filed. This shows that both of you consent to the terms in the F1.

For a sole application (F3): Only the person who filled out F3 (the claimant) signs the F52. As the claimant, you must wait 30 days after you served the F3 on the respondent before you sign the F52. This gives the ex-spouse enough time to file a response. If they file a response, it means they disagree with something you included in the F3 and the divorce is now “contested.” You and your ex-spouse will likely have to go to court before the divorce can be finalized.

Setting up the F52

The F52, Final Order, can be filed for many things other than divorce, so you’ll have set up the form for your specific situation by filling out seven questions at the beginning.

1. (Names)

  • If you started with an F1, select “Claimant #1” and “Claimant #2” from the drop-down box. Whoever was Claimant #1 on the F1 is still Claimant #1 here.
  • If you started with an F3, select “Claimant” and “Respondent” from the drop-down box.
  • Enter the names as they appear on the marriage certificate. Be consistent with how both names are written across all your forms.

2. (Who will hear the case)

  • Uncontested divorces are heard by a “judge of the court.”

3. (How the trial will be heard)

  • After you select “judge of the court” above, #3 will auto-fill. If text doesn’t show up in the box for #3, click on a blank area on the form.

4. (An order for divorce)

  • Answer “yes.”
  • This will cause a new area to appear, stating that the divorce will take effect on the 31st day after the date of the order. (31 days is standard.)

5. (Include other orders?)

  • This is specific to your situation.
  • If you only asked for a divorce and nothing else on the F1 or F3, answer “no.” This is about orders you’re seeking beyond the divorce itself.
  • If the F1 or F3 has other claims — for example, child or spousal support, or a return of the original marriage certificate — then you must answer “yes.”

6. (How many orders?)

  • If you said “yes” to #5, you must select the number of items you need to include.
  • If you said “no,” leave this at “0.”

7. (How many signatures?)

  • If you’re filing a joint application for divorce: “2.”
  • If you’re filing a sole application for divorce: “1.” (Only your signature is required.)

Once you’re done, press the Generate Form button. Your responses will be used to create the version of the form that you need to finish filling out.

Helpful resources

Helpful services

  • Family duty counsel: These are family lawyers who may be available at your courthouse to provide free legal advice or other help. Call the court registry or Legal Aid BC to find out more information.
  • Unbundled legal services (People’s Law School): This website explains how you can hire a lawyer to help with parts of your legal matter (rather than the whole file). It includes a directory of lawyers offering unbundled services in BC.
  • AC Friends of Court: Their volunteers can help with completing court forms. Book an appointment on their website.
  • Courthouse Libraries BC: We are a network of libraries in BC courthouses where you can access public computers, books and other print materials, and legal databases. Reach us at 1-800-665-2570 or email librarian@courthouselibrary.ca.
  • Find more services.