Congratulations on embarking on a new chapter in your life in beautiful Ontario, Canada, as you walk down the aisle with your beloved. However, as you joyfully prepare to apply for your marriage license, you may encounter unexpected obstacles due to a divorce document from China.

Are you facing the following confusion:

  • Can I use the Chinese divorce agreement or court mediation document/judgment I have directly in Ontario?
  • I heard that translation is needed. Should I translate it myself or can I ask a friend to translate it?
  • 什么是“认证翻译”（Certified Translation）？和普通翻译有什么区别？
  • What is “Certified Translation”? How does it differ from regular translation?

Don’t worry, these are issues that every client with similar experiences encounters. JZW Law Firm understands your feelings right now and is here to provide you with professional, authoritative, and efficient one-stop solutions.

Key question: Why can't divorce documents from China be used directly in Ontario?

Under Ontario law, both parties applying for a marriage license must prove they are legally eligible to marry. If you have a previous marriage, you must provide proof that your previous marriage was legally terminated.
For those who divorced in China, this proof is your divorce agreement (which must be accompanied by your divorce certificate) or a court-issued settlement/judgment. However, staff at Ontario government offices (such as City Hall or Service Ontario) cannot read Chinese documents or verify their legal validity. Therefore, you must provide an official document package that they can accept, which typically includes three core components:

  1. A copy of the original Chinese document.
  2. A complete and accurate English translation.
  3. A “Declaration of Translation Accuracy” issued by a certified translator or lawyer.

This declaration is crucial; it must be sworn in by a qualified professional in Canada (usually a certified translator or lawyer) before a notary or oath-taker, certifying that the English translation is a true and accurate translation of the original Chinese document. A single translation is far from sufficient.

Choose JZW Law Firm for a smooth path to remarriage.

Choosing an unreliable service for the authentication and translation of divorce documents can not only waste your money but also lead to the rejection of your marriage application, disrupting your important life plans. JZW Law Firm, with years of experience in local legal services, provides you with peace of mind.

Our service advantages:

  1. Authoritative and Professional, Guaranteed Acceptance: Our team comprises legal professionals fluent in both Chinese and English, and our translations are personally reviewed and signed by licensed Ontario attorneys who issue an Affidavit of Translation. Documents issued by licensed attorneys carry extremely high authority. We solemnly promise that all divorce certification translations processed by JZW Law are 100% compliant with the requirements of Ontario municipalities and Service Ontario, guaranteeing smooth acceptance.
  2. One-stop service, saving you time and effort. You no longer need to spend time and effort searching for translation companies and law firms separately. Simply send us your divorce documents (clear scans or photos), and we’ll handle everything else—from accurate translation of legal terminology to drafting standard Affidavit documents, and finally, lawyer signature and stamping. You’ll receive a complete and compliant document package that can be submitted directly to the government.
  3. Efficient and fast, ensuring timely processing. We understand the importance of time to you. Once we receive your documents and information, we will efficiently complete all processes within the promised timeframe. Our standardized procedures ensure accuracy at every step, avoiding delays caused by repeated submissions of incomplete documents, so your success doesn’t have to wait.
  4. With extensive experience and a thorough understanding, we have handled numerous cases involving the authentication of Chinese divorce documents. From old divorce certificates from the 1980s to the latest divorce agreements, and even complex court judgments, we are intimately familiar with them. We not only translate the text but also understand the legal logic behind it, ensuring the accuracy and professionalism of our translations and eliminating any potentially ambiguous expressions.

The service process is simple and clear.

  1. Contact Us: Contact us by phone, email, or WeChat for a free initial consultation.
  2. Submit documents: Send us clear scans or photos of your divorce documents (divorce certificate + divorce agreement, or court mediation document/judgment).
  3. Confirmation and Payment: We provide a quote and confirm the completion time; you then pay the service fee.
  4. Completion and Delivery: We will complete the translation, legal statement, and notarization within the agreed timeframe and send you a complete PDF file package. You may also choose to pick up the original hard copy at our office.

Contact us now and make happiness happen instantly!

Don’t let cumbersome paperwork processes become a stumbling block to starting your new life. Choosing JZW Law Firm means choosing professionalism, efficiency, and peace of mind.

JZW Law Firm boasts a team of experienced lawyers fluent in both Chinese and English, providing professional legal services. We specialize in handling complex issues related to property division, corporate equity, trusts, and overseas assets. We offer initial consultations; please contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you require legal assistance, please consult a professional lawyer.