Get copies of family law documents from court
Learn how to get a divorce certificate and other family law documents, such as a child support or parenting order.
Overview
You can request copies of your court documents, such as a:
- Form 36B: Certificate of Divorce (divorce certificate)
- copy of a court order
- copy of any document filed in the continuing record of your court file
You must request these documents from the court location where your case started.
If you are requesting older court records, you may need to contact Archives of Ontario.
Members of the public may also access court records, as long as access is not prevented by:
- statute
- common law
- court order
Learn more about policies on public access to court records.
How to get your divorce certificate
If your divorce was filed after July 2, 1968 and you wish to obtain your records, you will need the following information:
- the court location
- court file number
- the year your divorce was granted
Request your divorce certificate
Once you have the required information about your divorce, you may request your divorce certificate:
- online using a My Ontario account
- in-person at the courthouse (you can also ask a representative to go on your behalf)
- by mail to the courthouse
If you are acting on the requestor’s behalf, you will need to know the:
- court file number
- names of the parties
- date of the divorce
- name, address and telephone number of the person requesting the certificate
Please note that requests for divorce certificates from older court files may require additional time to be processed.
If you cannot remember which court processed the application for your divorce, the federal Central Registry of Divorce Proceedings may be able to give you the address of the court. They may also give you a reference number. You should give this number to court staff to help them find your file.
The Registry cannot give you detailed information about your divorce, including the status of your divorce proceeding, your court file number, or a copy of your divorce certificate. You must contact the court office for this information.
Fee
There is a $25 fee to get the divorce certificate.
You can pay the fee with:
- Mastercard
- Visa
- debit card
- cheque or money order, payable to the Minister of Finance, if you apply by mail
If you are unsure or have questions, please contact the court location.
Request copies of other family court documents
You can request a copy of any other family court documents, including:
- a child support order
- a spousal support order
- a parenting order
- any other court order or document found in your court file, provided access is not restricted
Learn more about policies on public access to court records.
Make a request
You must request family court documents from the court location where your case started.
You can request these documents by:
- in-person
Fees
You must pay the required fee of $1 per page for hard copies or $3.50 for each page that requires certification by court staff.
Learn more about fees in the Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Justice.
Parties who have a fee waiver are exempt from paying certain fees. For more information please see the Court Fee Waiver Guide and forms.
Contact the court where your case file is currently located for additional information.