What is a Certificate of Divorce and when do I need one?

A Certificate of Divorce is an official document issued by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice that confirms your divorce is final and legally effective. It is separate from the divorce order itself — the order is signed by the judge, but the certificate is issued by the registrar of the court only after the divorce has taken effect (which is 31 days after the order is made, assuming no appeal).

You need a Certificate of Divorce to remarry in Canada. Officiants and marriage licence issuers will ask for it as proof that your previous marriage has ended. You may also need it to update certain government records, claim survivor benefits under some pension plans, or settle certain estate matters.

To obtain the certificate, you apply to the court where your divorce was granted once the 31-day period has passed. There is a fee for the certificate. If you need to remarry abroad, some countries or officiants may require the certificate to be apostilled (authenticated for international use), which is a separate process through the Ontario government.

If you lose your certificate, you can apply to the court for a replacement copy, as divorce records are maintained permanently.