NEED A FOREIGN DIVORCE OPINION LETTER?  WE CAN HELP!

If you were divorced outside of Canada, and now you wish to re-marry in Ontario, you will need to obtain a Foreign Divorce Opinion letter from an Ontario Family Law Lawyer in order to obtain a marriage license. 

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Nearly all Foreign Divorce Opinion Letters will cost a block fee of $450 plus HST. (There can be some exceptions, where the work may cost more.)
• You will need to meet with one of our lawyers. For this meeting we will ask you to bring:
  • a piece of government issued photo identification;
  • a certified true copy of your divorce order or judgement from the foreign jurisdiction;
  • an official translation of the foreign divorce order or judgement (if it is in any language other than English or French); and
  • your soon-to-be spouse's full name and address.
• Our lawyer will interview you to ascertain whether either you or your former spouse resided in the foreign jurisdiction long enough to satisfy Canadian requirements and to establish whether either of you had a "real and substantial connection" to the foreign jurisdiction that granted your divorce. 
• Following your meeting with the lawyer, and assuming the lawyer is satisfied that your foreign divorce meets the legal requirements to be considered valid in Ontario, the lawyer will prepare and provide you with a Foreign Divorce Opinion Letter, addressed to you and your soon-to-be spouse, which you will need to submit along with your application for a marriage license.​

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ARE YOU WONDERING WHY YOU NEED A FOREIGN DIVORCE OPINION LETTER? HERE ARE SOME OF THE REASONS:

1. Legal Validation: The letter confirms that your foreign divorce decree is valid and legally recognized in the jurisdiction where it was issued. This helps prove that the divorce was processed correctly according to local laws.

2. Proof of Divorce Status: If you wish to remarry in Ontario, you must prove that your previous marriage has been legally dissolved. The Foreign Divorce Opinion letter serves as evidence that your foreign divorce is legitimate.

3. Legal Recognition in Ontario: Ontario law requires that foreign divorces meet certain criteria for recognition. The opinion letter ensures that your foreign divorce complies with these requirements and will be recognized under Ontario law.

4. Preventing Disputes & Complications: If you are able to get remarried in Ontario, and were not properly divorced from your first marriage this can cause serious problems. The letter helps prevent potential disputes or issues related to the validity of the foreign divorce by providing a professional, legally sound opinion on its authenticity and compliance.  

In summary, a Foreign Divorce Opinion letter is essential for validating and proving the legitimacy of a divorce obtained abroad, ensuring compliance with local legal requirements, and facilitating various legal and administrative processes. Most importantly, it is a step that will help you move forward with your new marriage! Congratulations! 

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