WHAT IS A FOREIGN DIVORCE OPINION LETTER?

If you were divorced in another country and are planning on getting remarried in Ontario you will be required to submit a Foreign Opinion Letter. 

HOW DO I GET A FOREIGN DIVORCE OPINION LETTER?

Only a licensed lawyer in Ontario may provide a Foreign Divorce Opinion Letter. 

WHY DO I NEED A FOREIGN DIVORCE OPINION LETTER?

The Province of Ontario wants reassurance that you were legally divorced. That the country and the local court had the jurisdiction to grant the divorce. More importantly, that it was not a fraudulent divorce.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR A FOREIGN DIVORCE OPINION LETTER?

A family law lawyer will interview you. During this interview the family law lawyer will ascertain background facts such as:

  • The names of the parties;
  • When they were married;
  • When they separated;
  • Whether they had children;
  • Where they resided during marriage;
  • Where they resided during separation;
  • Where they resided when they commenced divorce proceedings;
  • Whether they are still in contact with their ex-partner;
  • The reason for the opinion (such as remarriage and the date).

The above are just some of the questions involved.

It's important to bring any and all documents relevant to the divorce. The lawyer will review the documents as best as he or she can for accuracy and authenticity.

The next step is discretionary based on each lawyer and the jurisdiction from where the divorce was granted.

At my family law office I will conduct extensive legal research with respect to the laws of divorce in that specific country. I will review the local divorce legislation and cross-reference it with the divorce that was granted. Essentially a foreign opinion letter from a lawyer must indicate that the lawyer is satisfied that the court that granted the divorce had the jurisdiction to do so.

In some situations this task is easier, particularly if the client was represented by a lawyer and has official court documents. In some situations this task can become more problematic if the client is not in possession of any documents.

FAMILY LAWYER NEAR ME IN BURLINGTON? 

Are you looking for a family law lawyer in Burlington or Oakville? Call my office.

My address is 901 Guelph Line, Burlington.
You can also call or text at 416-505-4901 OR call Toll Free: 1 (800) 939-9211