Last updated: November 1, 2026
Losing your foreign divorce certificate doesn't mean you're no longer divorced. But if you need to prove your marital status in Canada, especially to remarry in Ontario, you'll need proper documentation.
In most cases, the best place to start is with the court or government office that issued your divorce.
How can I get a replacement foreign divorce certificate?
The process depends on where your divorce was granted.
Start by contacting the court, civil registry or government authority that handled the divorce. Ask whether they can issue a replacement certificate or an official copy of the divorce decree.
You may need to provide:
- Your full name and your former spouse's name at the time of divorce.
- The approximate divorce date and location.
- A court file or registration number, if available.
- Identification or proof that you're entitled to request the record.
If you used a lawyer for your divorce, contact them too. They may still have a copy of your documents or be able to help you request one.
Tip: Check your old emails, cloud storage and personal records before ordering a replacement. You may already have a scanned copy that can help identify the issuing authority.
Can I use a photocopy or scanned divorce certificate in Ontario?
Possibly.
Ontario's Foreign Divorce Authorization requirements call for a copy of the foreign divorce decree or annulment document. The province does not generally require you to submit the original decree as part of the standard application package.
However, the document must be sufficient to establish the divorce, and additional evidence may be needed if its authenticity or legal effect is unclear.
A clear, complete copy of an official decree may be useful. A blurry screenshot, incomplete document or unofficial summary may not be enough.
If you have a copy but lost the original, have an Ontario lawyer review it before spending time and money obtaining replacement records.
For the full list of documents, see Required Documents for a Foreign Divorce Opinion Letter.
What if I can't get a replacement?
Sometimes foreign divorce records are difficult to obtain. The court may have closed, records may have been archived, or you may no longer have access to the issuing authority.
If that happens, explain the situation to your Ontario lawyer.
Depending on the circumstances, the lawyer may be able to review other official records or advise you on obtaining evidence of the divorce.
However, a personal statement that you're divorced is not normally a substitute for the required divorce documentation.
Don't assume that a marriage certificate marked “divorced,” an old lawyer's letter or a sworn statement will automatically be accepted in place of a divorce decree.
What if my divorce documents aren't in English or French?
Ontario requires a translation if the foreign divorce decree is in another language.
For a Foreign Divorce Authorization application, the province requires a translated copy and an affidavit sworn by a certified translator.
It's usually best to confirm that you have the correct divorce document before paying for a translation.
You can review Ontario's requirements on the official government marriage information page.
Can I still get a Foreign Divorce Opinion Letter?
Yes, potentially.
An Ontario lawyer can review the documents you have and determine whether there's enough information to assess your foreign divorce.
If additional records are necessary, the lawyer can explain what's missing before preparing the opinion letter.
If you're planning to remarry in Ontario, remember that the opinion letter is only one part of the Foreign Divorce Authorization application.
Ontario advises that government processing may take up to four weeks. Time spent obtaining replacement documents or translations is additional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ServiceOntario replace my foreign divorce certificate?
No. ServiceOntario does not issue replacement certificates for divorces granted by foreign authorities. You'll generally need to contact the relevant court or government office abroad.
Do I need my original foreign divorce certificate to remarry in Ontario?
Not necessarily. Ontario's standard Foreign Divorce Authorization requirements specify a copy of the divorce decree or annulment document. Whether your particular copy is sufficient depends on the circumstances.
What if I don't know which court granted my divorce?
Check old correspondence, contact your former lawyer or ask the relevant civil registry in the country where you were divorced. The process for locating records varies by country.
Need Help With Your Foreign Divorce Documents?
If you've lost your divorce certificate but still have a copy or other records, an Ontario lawyer can help determine what may be needed for your Foreign Divorce Authorization application.
ForeignDivorceOpinion.com is operated by ABALAW Professional Corporation, a licensed Ontario law firm. We review foreign divorce documents and prepare legal opinion letters for clients planning to remarry in Ontario.
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This article provides general legal information, not legal advice. Document requirements and recognition of foreign divorces depend on the circumstances of each case.
