How do you end a marriage in Canada?

You remain legally married until you are actually divorced by court order. You could have the responsibility to support two spouses at the same time by being in a common-law marriage even after your divorce from your legally married spouse. 

In BC, you can be deemed to be in a "marriage-like" relationship if cohabit for 24 consecutive months with the intent of permanent commitment. To end a "common-law" marriage, only one spouse needs to demonstrate the end of the marriage.

But the federal DIVORCE ACT is the law stating when one can end a legal marriage. There are three grounds for divorce: adultery, cruelty, or a one-year separation, but it is not a simple nor quick process.