The ISO process can be complicated, and there is a lot of information to know. We have created two separate information Guides to help you. One is for applications made under provincial law (NS ISO) and the other for applications made under the federal Divorce Act (Divorce Act ISO). These guides help by explaining what NS ISO and Divorce Act ISO are, when they are used, and provides information about making and responding to an application. As with any court application, it is always strongly recommended that you get legal advice when making, or responding to, an ISO application. For information on ways to find a lawyer and get legal advice, including free or low-cost options, click here.
Use the chart below to decide which Guide likely applies to you. (Note: Before using this chart, please go through the questions under “Does the ISO process apply to me?” first.)
|
Are You? |
Do you have a final order for support made in Canada? (i.e. not interim or temporary order) |
Which Guide Can I use? |
|---|---|---|
| Never married to the other person |
|
|
| Married but not divorcing the other person |
|
|
| Divorced from the other person in Canada |
|
Divorce Act ISO Guide or NS ISO Guide *See the exception section for more details.
Divorce Act ISO Guide or NS ISO Guide *See the exception section for more details. |
These Guides will generally NOT apply to you in any of the following circumstances:
-
You have an order for support made in Canada that is temporary or interim.
-
You have an order for support made under the Divorce Act and the other person lives outside of Canada.
-
You were divorced outside of Canada.
-
You have an order for support from another country.
If one of these apply to you, it is a good idea to get legal advice from a lawyer. For information on getting legal advice in Nova Scotia, click here. If you live outside of Nova Scotia, contact your local Law Society or Barristers Society.