Statement of Sole Responsibility... Ontario

[lgg 2]

Hi all...

I'm in Ontario and my guy is in the US. He was divorced about 2 years ago and thusly, now that we're trying to get married, we have to send all our papers to the Registrar General. You only have to do this in ONtario to prove that a foreign divorce is valid.

So, got all the documents done, got the letter from an Ontario lawyer and his divorce decree with a letter of certification.

My only concern is this... the actual certification from the county clerks office is photocopied, as that's what his lawyer sent him. I'm just wondering if anyone knows anything? They only want a certified photocopy of the divorce decree, I just dont' know if the certification was allowed to be photocopied or not.

This will not prevent us from getting a license, it might just delay it. It's just really annoying as we just want to start the first step and we're already experiencing red tape and such.

It's not a huge deal, as he can just go and get the original and all but i'd just like to get some feedback and get our stuff going. As this is only step one.

Thanks so much.

[BH45 0]

So if I'm reading you right, you are going to get married in Ontario. Then file for the proper documents to allow you to move to the US.

This is what is on the government website for Ontario:

"If you were divorced outside of Canada, you must obtain authorization from the Ministry of Government Services before you can purchase a marriage licence. For authorization, send the following documents to:

The Office of the Registrar General

Marriage Office

P.O. Box 4600

189 Red River Rd.

Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6L8

A completed Marriage Licence Application (PDF - 27K) Text Version.

A Statement of Sole Responsibility for each divorce signed by both parties of this marriage.

An original or court-certified copy (certified by the proper court officer in the jurisdiction the divorce or annulment was granted) of the divorce decree or annulment. If the decree is in a language other than English or French, include a translated copy together with an affidavit sworn by a certified translator.

A legal opinion from an Ontario lawyer, addressed to both applicants to the marriage, giving reasons why the divorce or annulment should be recognized in the Province of Ontario. The Office of the Registrar General will fax a sample legal opinion letter to your lawyer if you call (807)-343-7492 or toll-free at 1-800-461-2156."

Before you send your documents, I would be getting an original divorce decree from your fiance. It will just save time for you later. I worked at a Municipal Office and issued marriage licences hence the reason for the suggestion.

Welcome to VJ.

Edited August 3, 2008 by BH45

[lgg 2]

Hi there BH45...

Thanks so much for your reply...

From what I read, and we have sent all that stuff, it said 'original divorce decree OR a certified copy. The certification certifies it as a true copy of the original.

His divorce lawyer sent him a copy of the certification as well. I know it won't be a huge deal. I was just wondering. Our lawyer's letter is the original as is our Statement and the marriage application.

Well, I guess we'll have to wait and see as it's sent.

But thanks for your reply. Much appreciated.

[trailmix 77]

Hi there BH45...

Thanks so much for your reply...

From what I read, and we have sent all that stuff, it said 'original divorce decree OR a certified copy. The certification certifies it as a true copy of the original.

His divorce lawyer sent him a copy of the certification as well. I know it won't be a huge deal. I was just wondering. Our lawyer's letter is the original as is our Statement and the marriage application.

Well, I guess we'll have to wait and see as it's sent.

But thanks for your reply. Much appreciated.

Hi Lgg and welcome to the Canada forum,

In reading BH45's reply I would say you will definately need an original with seal.

Also, I assume, since you are on this site, that you are going to be applying for a visa to live in the U.S. with your Husband? If so you are going to need the original at some point, so may as well get it now.

Good luck

Edited August 4, 2008 by trailmix