What Is a Divorce Certificate?
A divorce certificate is a short, official document confirming that a divorce was granted and has become final. It's a different document from the divorce order itself, which is the court's actual judgment ending the marriage. See our guide to the difference between a divorce certificate and a divorce order for a fuller comparison.
Who Issues It
In Ontario, a divorce certificate is generally issued by the court registry of the Superior Court of Justice location where the divorce was granted, once the divorce order has taken effect (generally 31 days after it was made, to allow for a possible appeal). It isn't issued by ServiceOntario or a municipal office — it comes from the specific court file.
How to Request One, Generally
Generally, requesting a divorce certificate involves completing a request form (often called a Certificate of Divorce request) and submitting it to the court office that handled the divorce, along with the applicable fee. Some court offices accept requests by mail; availability of in-person or online options can vary by location, so it's worth confirming directly with the specific court office involved.
Processing times can vary and are generally not instant — plan ahead if you need the certificate for a specific purpose, such as an upcoming remarriage, rather than requesting it at the last minute.
What It's Generally Used For
A divorce certificate is commonly needed to prove a divorce is final — for example, before remarrying, when updating a passport or other identity documents after a legal name change, or for certain financial or immigration processes. It's a compact proof-of-divorce document, distinct from the longer divorce order itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a divorce certificate the same as a divorce order?
No. The divorce order is the court's actual judgment ending the marriage. The divorce certificate is a separate, shorter document confirming the divorce became final, generally requested afterward.
Where do I request a divorce certificate in Ontario?
Generally from the court office of the Superior Court of Justice location where the divorce was granted, not from ServiceOntario or a municipal office.
How long does it take to get a divorce certificate?
It varies by court office and is generally not immediate. If you need it for a specific purpose, like remarrying, it's worth requesting well in advance.
Can I get a divorce certificate before the 31-day appeal period ends?
Generally no — a divorce certificate confirms the divorce is final, which generally only happens once the order takes effect after the appeal period passes.
Do I need a lawyer to request a divorce certificate?
Generally not. It's typically a straightforward administrative request you can make directly to the relevant court office using the appropriate form.