Ontario marriage licence focus
Questions are written for people applying to marry in Ontario after a divorce outside Canada.
FAQ
Foreign Divorce Opinion Letter FAQ
Plain-language answers about Ontario marriage licence applications, foreign divorce documents, certified translations, cost, timing, and online review.
Document-first answers
The page covers decrees, translations, final orders, ID, name mismatches, and common delay points.
Online review path
ABALAW can review files remotely and prepare the foreign divorce opinion letter required for the Ontario process.
When this is needed
When Is a Foreign Divorce Opinion Letter Needed?
One or both applicants were previously divorced outside Canada
The prior divorce was granted by a court or authority outside Canada and must be reviewed before the Ontario marriage licence process can continue.
The parties now wish to marry in Ontario
The foreign divorce opinion letter supports an Ontario marriage licence application where a foreign divorce is part of the applicant's history.
The foreign divorce document must be reviewed for recognition
The decree, judgment, certificate, or final order is reviewed to assess whether the divorce can be recognised in Ontario.
An Ontario authority requires a foreign divorce opinion letter
The ServiceOntario Marriage Office or the Office of the Registrar General requires a foreign divorce opinion letter before authorising the marriage licence.
Getting started
Foreign divorce opinion letter basics
These questions help Ontario residents understand why a foreign divorce opinion letter is required before a marriage licence can be issued after a divorce outside Canada.A foreign divorce opinion letter is a lawyer-prepared document explaining whether a divorce granted outside Canada can be recognized for an Ontario process, most often an Ontario marriage licence application.
Yes. If your previous divorce was granted outside Canada and you are applying for an Ontario marriage licence, you must provide foreign divorce opinion letters from an Ontario lawyer as part of the authorization process.
At ABALAW, the letter is reviewed and signed by ABALAW's fully accredited Ontario family lawyer, who can assess the foreign divorce documents, translations, identity details, and recognition facts.
No. It does not create a new divorce and it does not replace the foreign divorce order. It explains why the divorce already granted abroad should be accepted for the Ontario marriage licence process.
Documents
Documents, translations, and common file issues
Most delays happen because the divorce document is incomplete, hard to read, not translated, or does not clearly show that the divorce is final.The usual starting point is the final foreign divorce decree, judgment, certificate, or order, plus certified translation if needed, government-issued identification, marriage licence application details, and any request from the office asking for proof of recognition.
If the document is not in English or French, a certified English or French translation is usually required before the lawyer can complete the review. The original-language document should be kept with the translation.
The file needs a closer review or a better copy from the issuing court or authority. A document that only shows filing, separation, or an interim step is not enough for a foreign divorce opinion letter.
Name differences are common in foreign divorce files. The lawyer needs identification, a marriage certificate, name-change document, or a short explanation so the foreign divorce opinion letter can address the mismatch clearly.
ABALAW can review foreign divorce documents from many jurisdictions for the Ontario process. The key issue is whether the documents and facts support recognition for the intended Ontario use.
Timing and process
Cost, timeline, and online review
These answers are for clients who are trying to plan around a wedding date, licence appointment, or document deadline.Standard service is prepared in up to 48 hours after ABALAW receives complete documents, required information, payment, and client identification materials. Expedited service is available for complete files that need review faster.
Standard service is $249. Expedited service is $299 total where the file is complete and can be prepared within the expedited timeline. The expedited price includes the $50 priority upgrade. Price excludes HST. Taxes apply.
Yes. Intake, document review, follow-up questions, and delivery of the completed foreign divorce opinion letter can usually be handled online without an office visit.
No. Recognition depends on the documents, facts, and legal test. The lawyer must review the file before confirming whether a foreign divorce opinion letter can be prepared.
Send the complete document package as early as possible and mention the appointment timing. Expedited service may help if the documents are complete and the review can be completed within the shorter timeline.
Ready to check your file?