Marriage is a celebrated occasion and one that should be based on trust and confidence from both parties involved. Partners should be open and honest with each other, especially about marital status, past and present. It’s even more important that you and your partner fully disclose your marital status when marrying abroad. This is where a marriage search certificate factors in, as well as its consequent authentication and legalization.
Why Do You Need a Marriage Search Certificate?
Usually, one of the prerequisites to legal marriage is being in a single status at present. You are legally single by default if you have never married or been in a conjugal relationship. You are also single if you have conferred your divorce. The end outcome in order to marry is that you have to be single at present. If you are marrying someone in a different country, that country may require you to prove your freedom to marry. In this scenario, a simple marriage search certificate will clear your status.
A marriage search is usually conducted at the provincial level in Canada. If you got married in Ontario or live in Ontario, that is where you obtain your certificate from. Each province has their own process for searching the records and a simple Google search will show you the process for your province. Some provinces may require for you to submit an application by mail or in person.
It is also worth noting that this certificate will only indicate any record of marriage within the province. If the marriage ended with a divorce, the record of the divorce will not show on it. Additionally, you must obtain a divorce certificate from the Supreme Court if you are legally divorced. This, along with the marriage search certificate, should be sufficient to prove your freedom to marry.
Legalizing and Authenticating Your Marriage Search Certificate
Like any other legal document, you must validate your marriage certificate before use abroad. Meaning, the marriage search must undergo document authentication and legalization. To authenticate, submit it to Global Affairs Canada (GAC) located in Ottawa. GAC will review the signatures on your certificates to ensure that they are true and valid. GAC will place a red stamp on the documents to indicate that it has been authenticated.
Following authentication, you need to legalize your document by the embassy of the country you wish to marry in. This embassy will also conduct their own review to ensure that the certificates meet the standards and requirements of their country. They will also place a stamp or certificate to indicate that the certificate has been legalized.
How Can We Help?
At Legalization Service Centre, we understand that marriage is a celebratory occasion that requires a lot of preparation. With so much already on your plate, paperwork is probably the last thing you want to worry about. However, having the paperwork completed properly can save you time, money and headache in the weeks and months ahead of your journey. Legalization Service Centre has the expertise and network to complete your authentication and legalization needs so that you can remain stress-free and confident that your paperwork is being completed by professionals in the field. Our experience and customer service has earned us an A+ reputation with the BBB and a stellar rating on Google from our customers. With us, you can rest assured that paperwork will be the least of your worries on this joyous occasion.
Image Credit: The Carousel