Foreign Divorce Opinion Letter in Brampton
A foreign divorce opinion letter confirms that a divorce granted outside Canada is legally recognized in Ontario, which the Registrar General requires before you can remarry here. Our Brampton lawyers review your divorce decree under section 22 of the Divorce Act and usually prepare the letter within one to two days. Divorcing in Ontario instead? See our simple divorce service or contact us.
When Do You Need a Foreign Divorce Opinion Letter?
If you were divorced outside Canada and plan to marry in Ontario, the Registrar General requires this letter before a marriage licence is issued. It applies to everyone, regardless of citizenship or residency status, and it protects against bigamy by confirming your earlier divorce meets Canadian legal standards. Divorcing in Ontario instead? See our uncontested divorce service.
Who Can Write the Letter?
What Does the Lawyer Consider?
The review follows section 22 of the federal Divorce Act. The key question is whether at least one spouse had a real and substantial connection to the country that granted the divorce, usually by living there for at least one year before filing. If the divorce cannot be recognized, you may need a Canadian divorce order through a simple divorce.
Documents You Need
Translations must be certified, and missing documents are the most common cause of delay, so we check your full file before it goes to the Registrar General with your marriage licence application.
Original or certified foreign divorce certificate or decree
Certified English or French translation, if needed
Completed Marriage Licence Application form
Statement of Sole Responsibility
Statement of No Appeal from the foreign court
Processing Time and Cost
What Happens Without the Letter?
Without the letter, your marriage licence will not be issued. False statements on the application are an offence, and a later marriage could be found invalid. If your foreign divorce cannot be recognized, we guide you through a Canadian divorce application. Read our family law FAQ for common questions.
Annulment vs Divorce
An annulment declares that a marriage was never legally valid, while a divorce ends a valid marriage. If you received a foreign annulment, a different review may apply, and we confirm which documents are needed. Our divorce lawyers in Brampton handle both situations for clients across Brampton, Mississauga and Toronto. Book a free consultation to keep your wedding plans on schedule.