A foreign divorce opinion letter does not re-divorce you. It explains why a divorce already granted outside Canada can be treated as recognized for a Canadian process.
The basic recognition question
The lawyer looks at whether the foreign authority had a proper basis to grant the divorce and whether the process is acceptable under Canadian recognition principles.
Why an opinion letter may be requested
Marriage licence offices and other authorities may not be able to assess a foreign divorce document on their own. A lawyer's opinion gives them a reasoned legal answer.
When the file needs closer review
Closer review may be needed where documents are incomplete, residency is unclear, notice was disputed, or the divorce document does not clearly show finality.