How Do I Get My Divorce Certificate in British Columbia? A Step-by-Step Guide

Written By Abby Pang

If your divorce has been finalized in British Columbia, you may need a divorce certificate to remarry, update government records, or confirm your legal marital status. As a family lawyer in Vancouver, this is a common question we receive from clients after their divorce is complete. The process is usually straightforward, but it is important to follow the correct steps to avoid delays.

What Is a Divorce Certificate in BC?

A divorce certificate is an official document issued by the Supreme Court of British Columbia confirming that your divorce is final. It does not set out the terms of your divorce. Instead, it simply proves that the legal relationship has ended. This certificate is often required for remarriage or administrative purposes.

When Can I Apply for a Divorce Certificate?

You must wait at least 31 days after the divorce order has been granted before applying for a divorce certificate. This waiting period exists to allow time for any appeal. Even if all other matters are resolved, the court will not issue a divorce certificate until the 31 days have passed.

Where Do I Apply for My Divorce Certificate?

You must apply through the Supreme Court registry where your divorce was originally filed. Only that registry has the authority to issue your divorce certificate. Applying to the wrong location can result in delays or a rejected request.

How Do I Get My Divorce Certificate in Person?

If you choose to apply in person, you must attend the Supreme Court registry where your divorce was filed. Court staff will locate your file and issue the divorce certificate once payment is made. The current fee for an in-person request is $40.

How Do I Get My Divorce Certificate by Mail?

If you are unable to attend the registry in person, you may apply by mail. Your written request must be sent to the Supreme Court registry where the divorce was filed. The letter should include the court file number if available, or the full legal names of both parties to the divorce, along with your mailing address and telephone number.

A cheque or money order for $50, payable to the Minister of Finance, must be included with your request. This amount includes a $10 mailing fee. If you live outside Canada and cannot pay using Canadian funds, you should contact the registry directly to ask about acceptable payment options.

What If I Don’t Know Where My Divorce Was Filed?

If you are unsure which court registry handled your divorce, the Central Registry of Divorce Proceedings for Canada can confirm the location where your divorce was filed. However, they cannot issue an official divorce certificate. Once the correct registry is confirmed, you must apply directly to that court.

What If My Divorce Was Granted More Than 10 Years Ago?

If your divorce was finalized ten or more years ago, you may need to obtain a copy of the divorce order from BC Archives before requesting your divorce certificate. That copy must be provided to the Supreme Court registry handling your request. Because older court files are often archived, contacting the registry in advance can help clarify what documentation is required.

Do I Need a Vancouver Family Lawyer to Help?

Although many people can obtain their divorce certificate on their own, complications can arise when records are archived, missing, or filed in an unexpected location. A Vancouver family law lawyer can assist with locating court files, communicating with registries, and ensuring your application is completed correctly and efficiently.

If you need assistance or have questions about divorce or separation, get in touch with one of our experienced Vancouver family law lawyers for clear, practical guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce Certificates in BC

How long does it take to receive a divorce certificate?
Processing times vary depending on the court registry and whether you apply in person or by mail. In-person requests are often completed more quickly, while mailed requests may take several weeks.

Is a divorce certificate the same as a divorce order?
No. A divorce order sets out the court’s decision, while a divorce certificate only confirms that the divorce is final.

Can someone else request my divorce certificate for me?
In many cases, a lawyer or authorized representative can request the certificate on your behalf, provided they have the required file information.

Do I need a divorce certificate to remarry in BC?
Yes. A divorce certificate is typically required as proof that your previous marriage has legally ended before you can remarry.

For more information, reach out for a confidential consultation with one of our Vancouver family lawyers – Contact Us.

Abby Pang

Abby is a family lawyer and loving mother of two children. She is an advocate for healthy families and children. She has turned her energy towards supporting families, by providing guidance and helping families navigate through the legal system, while empowering them to have a voice throughout the process.

Abby Pang’s journey began in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Subsequently, her family moved to the east side of Vancouver, before moving to Richmond, where she spent most of her childhood. Her father was a refugee who came to Canada in 1970, and from him she learned the meaning of grit.

In her youth, Abby experienced a breakdown in her family unit which resulted in divorce. She understands that marital breakdowns and divorces can be complicated, but also devastating. She also understands there are alternative options and ways to mitigate the damaging effects of the process.

Abby earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of British Columbia, studying psychology and family studies. She earned a law degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, exchange program through the Hong Kong University. In 2008, she returned to British Columbia to work in a large law office while completing her National Certificate of Accreditation. She then completed her articles in a boutique law firm in Vancouver. She was called to the British Columbia bar in 2012.

Abby has appeared in Provincial Court, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. She deals with personal injury claims, sexual assault (civil) claims, and family law matters. In addition to her court experience, Abby takes a “family first” approach and is resolution-focused. She is registered through the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.

As a lawyer, Abby Pang’s community involvement included volunteer work with the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers and the Canadian Bar Association Women Lawyers’ Forum. As well, she had the opportunity to assist at Rise Women’s Legal Center and Battered Women’s Support Services through volunteering with Amici Curiae Friends of Court.

Abby is the recipient of A Woman of Worth Leader of the Year Award 2023 for her outstanding achievements in strengthening her community/organization through innovative approaches to resolving challenges and inspiring meaningful change. She has been recognized nationally as a nominee of the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards 2023, which honours extraordinary women leaders and businesses. She is a nominee of the RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneurs Awards 2025, which recognizes the strides of Canada’s most accomplished, influential and impactful women. Abby has also been named in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada™ for being one of the top lawyers in Family Law.

In her personal time, Abby enjoys snowboarding, bike riding, coaching her daughter’s baseball team and spending time with her family.

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