Going through a divorce can be emotionally exhausting, but for many, it also marks a new chapter—one that may involve remarriage. If you’re in Edmonton, Alberta, and you’re wondering how soon you can remarry after a divorce, the answer is relatively straightforward, but there are some legal steps and timelines you need to be aware of.
In this article, we’ll walk you through:
• The legal requirements for remarriage after divorce in Alberta
• The role of the divorce certificate
• Waiting periods (if any)
• How long it takes to finalize a divorce
• Practical steps to remarry
• Common questions about remarriage after divorce
Can You Remarry Immediately After a Divorce in Alberta?
Legally speaking, you can remarry as soon as your divorce is finalized, meaning once you have your official Certificate of Divorce. In Alberta (and all of Canada), there is no mandatory waiting period to remarry after divorce—you just need the finalized documentation proving your divorce is legally complete.
But here’s the catch:
Your divorce isn’t official the day a judge grants it in court. There’s a short built-in waiting period before the divorce becomes finalized.
When Is a Divorce Considered Final in Alberta?
In Alberta, after a judge grants a divorce judgment (also called a divorce order), the divorce becomes final 31 days after the order is issued. Only after those 31 days can you apply for your Certificate of Divorce from the court.
Timeline example:
• Day 0: Divorce order is granted by the judge
• Day 31: Divorce is legally final
• After Day 31: You can request your Certificate of Divorce and legally remarry
What Is a Certificate of Divorce—and Why Is It So Important?
A Certificate of Divorce is a legal document issued by the court, confirming that your divorce is final and that you’re legally free to remarry. Marriage commissioners or clergy in Alberta will require this certificate before conducting a legal wedding ceremony.
How to get one:
• Wait until 31 days after your divorce judgment
• Contact the courthouse where your divorce was granted
• Submit an application and pay the fee (about $20-$25)
• You may need to show ID and your divorce file number
How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in Alberta?
If you’re still in the divorce process and looking ahead to remarriage, keep in mind that getting a divorce in Alberta can take several months, depending on your situation:
• Uncontested divorces (no disputes): 3 to 6 months
• Contested divorces (with disputes about property, custody, etc.): 6 months to several years
So, while you can remarry immediately after receiving your Certificate of Divorce, the total timeline from filing to remarriage could be months or longer, depending on the complexity of your divorce case.
Can You Get Engaged While Still Legally Married?
Yes, you can get engaged while still legally married, as an engagement is not a legally binding agreement. However, you cannot remarry until your divorce is finalized and your Certificate of Divorce is issued.
What If You’re Divorced Outside Alberta or Canada?
If your previous divorce was granted outside of Alberta, but you want to remarry in Edmonton, you’ll need to provide official proof of your divorce to Alberta Vital Statistics.
If your divorce was granted outside Canada, the provincial government may require:
• A legal opinion letter from a Canadian lawyer confirming the validity of the foreign divorce
• An original or certified copy of your foreign divorce decree, translated into English (if necessary)
You must get approval from Alberta Vital Statistics before they will issue a marriage license in these cases.
How to Remarry in Edmonton: Step-by-Step
Once your divorce is finalized, here’s what you need to do to legally remarry in Edmonton:
- Get your Certificate of Divorce (from the Alberta courthouse)
- Apply for a marriage license (at a registry office)
- Both parties must apply in person
- Bring government-issued ID and the divorce certificate
- Plan your ceremony with a marriage commissioner or religious officiant
- Get legally married and ensure your officiant registers the marriage with Vital Statistics
Common Questions
Q: What happens if I try to remarry before my divorce is finalized?
You cannot legally marry someone else until your divorce is final. Attempting to do so is considered bigamy, which is illegal under Canadian law.
Q: I lost my Certificate of Divorce—what do I do?
You can request a new copy from the court that issued your divorce, usually for a small fee. You’ll need ID and your file number.
Q: Can I remarry in another province or country before the divorce is final?
No. Your divorce must be finalized and legally recognized before you remarry, regardless of location.
Final Thoughts
In Edmonton, Alberta, you can get married 31 days after your divorce judgment—as long as you have your Certificate of Divorce in hand. While there’s no legal waiting period beyond that, the process of finalizing a divorce can take time, so planning ahead is essential.
Whether you’re starting a new chapter or simply curious about the law, understanding these steps ensures you’re ready—both legally and emotionally—for remarriage.
If you need legal help navigating divorce or preparing to remarry, it’s always wise to consult with a family lawyer in Edmonton to make sure everything is in order.
