Recognition of Foreign Marriages in Ontario

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 13:20:12 +0000

⁣Legal Criteria

For a foreign marriage to be recognized in Ontario, it must meet these
criteria:

Legal Compliance Abroad

The marriage must follow the laws of the country where it took place,
including age, consent, and procedures.

Capacity to Marry

Both parties must be of legal age, mentally capable, and not already married
to someone else.

Genuine Consent

Consent must be genuine, free from fraud, duress, or coercion.

Public Policy

The marriage should not violate Ontario’s public policy, such as
prohibitions on polygamy.

Documentation Needed To prove the marriage, you need:

Marriage Certificate

An original or certified copy of the marriage certificate from the country
where the marriage took place.

Legal Opinion Letter

Sometimes a legal opinion from a lawyer in the foreign jurisdiction is
necessary.

Document Translation

If documents are not in English or French, provide certified translations.

Affidavits

Personal affidavits from the spouses about the marriage can support its
validity.

Supporting Documents

Photos, travel documents, and witness statements can help establish
authenticity.

Need Help? Visit www.Divorceoffice.ca
or call (416) 519-0699.