Difference between revisions of "How Do I Get my Certificate of Divorce?"

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{{JP Boyd on Family Law How Do I TOC|expanded=marriage}}
{{JP Boyd on Family Law How Do I TOC|expanded=marriage}}


You do not need a Certificate of Divorce to make your divorce “legal” or “official”. If you ever have to show legal proof of your divorce, you can use your [[Divorce#The_divorce_order|divorce order]]. However, you can use the Certificate of Divorce to show legal proof of your divorce to third parties (for example, when you remarry) without giving away all the details in your divorce order. Some foreign jurisdictions may require a certificate if you are getting remarried.
You do not need a Certificate of Divorce to make your divorce “legal” or “official”. If you ever have to show legal proof of your divorce, you can use your [[Getting Divorced#The_divorce_order|divorce order]]. However, you can use the Certificate of Divorce to show legal proof of your divorce to third parties (for example, when you remarry) without giving away all the details in your divorce order. Some foreign jurisdictions may require a certificate if you are getting remarried.


==When can I get my Certificate?==
==When can I get my Certificate?==
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The lawyer will go to the [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap/service/1014 Supreme Court Registry] where the divorce is filed with:
The lawyer will go to the [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap/service/1014 Supreme Court Registry] where the divorce is filed with:
*A copy of the [[Divorce#The_divorce_order|divorce order]] (make a photocopy of the one you have and keep the original),
*A copy of the [[Getting Divorced#The_divorce_order|divorce order]] (make a photocopy of the one you have and keep the original),
*A completed Requisition ([[Form F17 Requisition (General)|Form F17]]),
*A completed Requisition ([[Form F17 Requisition (General)|Form F17]]) that specifies a ''Certificate of Divorce'' is required, and be sure to add a paragraph that "This requisition is supported by the Divorce Order dated ___",
*A completed Certificate of Divorce ([[Form F56 Certificate of Divorce|Form F56]]), and
*A completed Certificate of Divorce ([[Form F56 Certificate of Divorce|Form F56]]), and
*$40 for each certificate.
*$40 for each certificate.
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You, or a friend on your behalf, can go in person to the [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap/service/1014 Supreme Court Registry] where the divorce is filed with:
You, or a friend on your behalf, can go in person to the [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap/service/1014 Supreme Court Registry] where the divorce is filed with:
*Your court file number,
*Your court file number,
*A completed Requisition ([[Form F17 Requisition (General)|Form F17]] — some Registries may have this form available at the counter upon request),
*A completed Requisition ([[Form F17 Requisition (General)|Form F17]] — some Registries may have this form available at the counter upon request) — that specifies a ''Certificate of Divorce'' is required, and be sure to add a paragraph that "This requisition is supported by the Divorce Order dated ___",
*$40 for each certificate. Cash, Interac, and personal cheques with 2 pieces of ID are accepted, and
*$40 for each certificate. Cash, Interac, and personal cheques with 2 pieces of ID are accepted, and
*It is helpful if you have a copy of your Divorce Order, but it is not required. Providing a copy may expedite the court registry's ability to process your request. It is a good idea to bring government-issued photo ID, like your driver's license or passport.
*It is helpful if you have a copy of your Divorce Order, but it is not required. Providing a copy may expedite the court registry's ability to process your request. It is a good idea to bring government-issued photo ID, like your driver's license or passport.
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===Applying by snail mail===
===Applying by snail mail===
You can also make a written request by sending a letter to the [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap/service/1014 Supreme Court Registry] where the divorce order is filed. Include with your letter:
You can also make a written request by sending a letter to the [http://www.clicklaw.bc.ca/helpmap/service/1014 Supreme Court Registry] where the divorce order is filed. Include with your letter:
*Your court file number (or the full names of both you and your ex-spouse as they appear on the Divorce Order),
*Your court file number (or the full names of both you and your ex-spouse as they appear on the Divorce Order) — the court file number is located at the top right of the Divorce Order,
*It is helpful if you include a copy of your Divorce Order, but not required. Providing a copy may expedite the court registry's ability to process your request,
*It is helpful if you include a copy of your Divorce Order, but not required. Providing a copy may expedite the court registry's ability to process your request,
*A self-addressed return envelope,
*A self-addressed return envelope,
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===Copy of Divorce Order exception===
===Copy of Divorce Order exception===
If your divorce was finalized a long time ago (generally 15 years or longer), the Supreme Court Registry where your divorce order was issued may no longer hold the file. In this case, you may be required to obtain a copy of your old divorce order before applying for a Certificate of Divorce. You can request a copy of your divorce order in writing by email, regular mail, or fax to [https://royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/bc-archives/info/divorce-orders BC Archives].
If your divorce was finalized a long time ago (generally 15 years or longer), the Supreme Court Registry where your divorce order was issued may no longer hold the file. In this case, you may be required to obtain a copy of your old divorce order before applying for a Certificate of Divorce. You can request a copy of your divorce order from the website of the [https://royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/bcarchives/what-we-have/divorce-orders BC Archives] by completing their online [https://royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/divorce-reproduction-order-form Divorce Order Reproduction form].




{{REVIEWED | reviewer = [[Vanessa Van Sickle]], June 13, 2019}}
{{REVIEWED | reviewer = [[Mark Norton]] and [[Stephanie Pesth]], September 18, 2023}}


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[[Category:How Do I?|G]]
[[Category:Helpful Guides & Common Questions|G]]
[[Category:Marriage, Separation & Divorce]]
[[Category:Marriage, Separation & Divorce]]
[[Category:JP Boyd on Family Law]]
[[Category:JP Boyd on Family Law]]


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