Finding Divorce Records

Divorce Records are Public. You must know the County in which the decree was granted. Use the background history to narrow down the time frame.

For central divorce records, call Ottawa at 1-613-957-4519. This Department holds records for 1960-87 for the entire country.

Divorce records usually contain the following:

Full names of the parties to the action (including maiden name)
Dates of births of both parties and their children
Places of birth of both parties and their children
Matrimonial address and address of each party since separation
Occupations and employment histories
Marriage certificate
Copy of decrees nisi and absolute
Usually transcripts of testimony
Financial statements/welfare reports concerning minor children

Accessing Divorce Records in Ontario

In Toronto, go to 393 University Avenue, 10th floor.

Divorce judgements (1976 to present day) are arranged chronologically by year and then by initial of the Surname. Look for the surname for the years you want and copy down full names and file numbers. Take this information to the Archives of Ontario at 77 Grenville St., Bay and College area in Toronto.

Note: You must register to use these Archives and you must bring along I.D. and indicate "Genealogy Research" for the reason for the visit. Ask the staff to show you how to fill in request slips to retrieve the files you want. These usually take several working days for retrieval. Photocopies usually require a fee. so copy down pertinent facts that you need before asking for copies.

Outside York County, check with the local courthouse to find out where and how indices to judgements are recorded, and how files can be retrieved.