Opinion Letters for Foreign Divorces in Ontario
Trusted Legal Guidance to Secure Your Right to Remarry in Ontario
Foreign Divorce Opinion Letters for Remarriage in Ontario
If you have been divorced outside Canada and are planning to remarry in Ontario, you must first confirm that your foreign divorce is legally recognized under Ontario law. Without this recognition, you may face significant delays or even be unable to obtain a marriage license.
At Aurigo Law, Arshi Chandel, a highly experienced divorce lawyer in Toronto, offers Foreign Divorce Opinion Letters to help individuals navigate this complex legal process. Our team provides authoritative legal opinions, ensuring that your previous divorce meets Ontario’s legal requirements so you can move forward with your new marriage confidently.
What is a Foreign Divorce Opinion Letter?
A Foreign Divorce Opinion Letter is an official legal document issued by a licensed family lawyer in Ontario. This letter confirms that your foreign divorce is valid under Canadian law and that you meet the requirements to legally remarry in Ontario.
According to the Marriage Act of Ontario, if your divorce was granted outside Canada, you must obtain a legal opinion from an Ontario lawyer before the government will issue a marriage license. This ensures that your previous marriage was legally dissolved and that there are no legal impediments to your remarriage.
Why is a Foreign Divorce Opinion Letter Required in Ontario?
If you were divorced outside Canada, the Ontario Registrar General will not automatically recognize your divorce. Your divorce must meet specific legal criteria to be considered valid in Canada, ensuring that:
✔ The court that granted the divorce had proper jurisdiction under Canadian law
✔ At least one spouse lived in the country where the divorce was granted for one year before filing
✔ The divorce process followed principles of natural justice and was fair
Without a Foreign Divorce Opinion Letter, your marriage license application may be rejected, delaying or preventing your remarriage.
Legal Basis for Foreign Divorce Recognition in Canada
According to Statistics Canada, approximately 38% of marriages in the country end in divorce, and many Canadians choose to remarry, including those who were divorced abroad. Ensuring proper legal recognition of foreign divorces protects individuals from legal uncertainties and future complications in marital and estate matters.
Documents Required for a Foreign Divorce Opinion Letter
When applying for a Foreign Divorce Opinion Letter in Ontario, you must provide the following essential documents:
1. Foreign Divorce Decree
- A certified final divorce decree from the country where the divorce was granted
- The document must be an official court-issued record
2. Marriage Certificate
A certified copy of your original marriage certificate from the country where the marriage took place
3. Translation of Documents (If Applicable)
If the divorce decree or marriage certificate is not in English or French, a certified translation must be provided along with the original documents.
4. Proof of Residency
Documents confirming that you or your former spouse lived in the country where the divorce was granted for at least one year before filing
Acceptable documents include:
- Utility bills
- Lease agreements
- Government-issued ID
5. Identification Documents
- A copy of your passport, driver’s license, or another official government ID
6. Affidavit or Statement (If Required)
- Some cases may require a sworn affidavit detailing:
- The circumstances of the marriage and divorce
- Any relevant legal aspects of the divorce proceedings
7. Additional Legal Documents (If Applicable)
- Judgments, legal submissions, or appeals related to the divorce proceedings
- Public policy considerations, such as expert affidavits attesting to the fairness of the foreign legal process.
By providing these documents, your lawyer at Aurigo Law can assess your case and draft a comprehensive Foreign Divorce Opinion Letter to support your remarriage application.
The Process of Obtaining a Foreign Divorce Opinion Letter
At Aurigo Law, we make the process simple and efficient:
Step 1: Consultation & Document Review
✔ Book a consultation to discuss your case with Arshi Chandel, an experienced Toronto divorce lawyer
✔ Provide all required documents for review and assessment
Step 2: Legal Analysis & Opinion Drafting
✔ Our team will evaluate the validity of your foreign divorce under Ontario law
✔ A detailed legal opinion letter will be prepared confirming your eligibility to remarry
Step 3: Submission & Approval
✔ Submit the Foreign Divorce Opinion Letter along with your marriage license application
✔ Once approved, you will be legally eligible to remarry in Ontario
Need a Foreign Divorce Opinion Letter?
Contact us at +1 437-333-0560 today!
What Happens If Your Foreign Divorce is Not Recognized?
If your foreign divorce does not meet Ontario’s legal requirements, you may face significant challenges, including:
Inability to obtain a marriage license
Issues with property division, inheritance, or spousal rights
Legal disputes regarding marital status
In such cases, you may need to seek a declaratory order from an Ontario court, confirming that your divorce is legally valid in Canada. Our team at Aurigo Law can assist you in this process.
FAQs About Foreign Divorce Opinion Letters
Is a Foreign Divorce Opinion Letter mandatory in Ontario?
Yes. If your divorce was granted outside Canada, you must obtain an opinion letter from an Ontario lawyer to remarry legally.
How long does it take to get a Foreign Divorce Opinion Letter?
Typically, 1–2 weeks, depending on document review and verification.
How much does a Foreign Divorce Opinion Letter cost?
The cost varies based on case complexity. Contact us for a transparent fee estimate.
Can I apply for a marriage license without an Opinion Letter?
No. Ontario law requires Foreign Divorce Opinion Letters for all divorces granted outside Canada.
Do both spouses need to be present for the opinion letter?
No. The applying spouse can obtain the opinion letter independently.
What happens if my foreign divorce is not recognized?
You may need a court order confirming the validity of your divorce. We can assist with this process.
Can I get a Foreign Divorce Opinion Letter online?
Yes. Aurigo Law offers virtual consultations for clients across Ontario.
What if I lost my original divorce documents?
You must obtain certified copies from the foreign court where the divorce was granted.
What if my divorce was granted in a country with different divorce laws?
Each case is evaluated individually. We will assess whether your divorce meets Ontario’s legal requirements.
How do I book a consultation?
Call +1 437-333-0560 or email Info@aurigolaw.ca to schedule an appointment.