Foreign Divorce Kit

An applicant whose former marriage was dissolved or annulled in a jurisdiction other than Canada must obtain authorization from the Minister of Consumer & Commercial Relations before a Marriage Licence may be issued. To obtain this authorization, the applicants or a lawyer representing them, must submit the following to:

Office of the Registrar General
P.O. Box 4600
189 Red River Road
Thunder Bay, ON
P7B 6L8

1. A completed Marriage Licence Application signed by both applicants.
2. A copy of the Decree(s) of Divorce or Annulment (certified by the proper Court Officer in the jurisdiction where the divorce/annulment was granted or sealed by the Court). When the decree is a language other than English or French, a certified translation is also required.
3. A Statement of Sole Responsibility for each divorce signed by both applicants. Blank Affidavit.
4. A legal opinion of an Ontario Solicitor, addressed to both applicants, giving reasons why the divorce or annulment should be recognized in the Province of Ontario. The Solicitor’s reasons for recognition must include reference to:

With respect to divorces granted prior to June 1, 1986:

1. the domicile of the husband;
2. the domicile of the wife;

   in force July 1, 1968 for divorce;
   in force March 31, 1978 for annulment or

3. a real and substantial connection between the spouse and the granting jurisdiction.

With respect to divorces granted on or after June 1, 1986:

1. rely on section 22 of the Divorce Act (Canada), the residence of either spouse;
2. the domicile of the wife, if subsection 22(2) is relied upon;
3. a real and substantial connection between the spouse and the granting jurisdiction.

Note: In the event of the death of an ex-spouse subsequent to the granting of a divorce, and upon presentation of a valid Death Certificate, certain of the above requirements may not apply. For further information, please call 1-800-461-2156.

In addition to the above and in order to expedite this authorization please note the following:

1. The telephone number and return address where the couple can be contacted if further information is required should be enclosed.
2. If a courier is required please purchase a prepaid envelope.
3. After receiving the authorization from the Office of the Registrar General return to your local municipal office with the completed marriage application and the authorization letter to obtain your Marriage Licence.

Foreign divorce kit forms may be obtained from the Customer Service Department Town of Newmarket Municipal Offices, 395 Mulock Drive.