Long forgotten common law union? Will this ruin everything?

[GPSMiami1610]

Hi there! I'm currently spazzing out, maybe you guys can help me! I'm applying outland from the US to be sponsored by my spouse. Who just remembered that a looong time ago, her boyfriend filed them as common law. It was never officially annulled, and I see you can make a declaration and get it notorized...but I absolutely have to send the whole application Monday.

Isn't that we are legally married proof of the end of her previous common law union, or do we have to figure out how to ninja a notary on short notice? Short notice because thanks to slow slow FBI, my police reports are expiring at the end of the month. (As I understand it, so long as they're within 90 days when they get them in Mississauga, we're okay?) Can we provide tax income records where she's been filed as single for a million years prior instead of the letter? The document checklist lists both options but doesn't say 'this OR that'...

The last question there then...is what's the cheapest way to do this in Canada? I know someone official needs to sign it--can't this just be done at the city hall or something? Notary public prices are outrageous here!

[GPSMiami1610]

Actually, I just found this:

"Lawyers, students-at-law, police officers, judges, full-time commissioned officers of the Canadian Forces, members of the Legislative Assembly, members of a municipal council, members of a board of trustees of a school district or division in Alberta, and justices of the peace are automatically Commissioners for Oaths."

We know an officer in the CF--will a Commissioner for Oaths be adequate here?

[Steph C]

I found this just earlier while searching for something else. I think that common law ends the day you move out.

http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/proof-that-you-are-not-in-common-law-anymore-t31573.0.html;msg196084#msg196084

[essex0227]

Hey if you posting you application in August come join us in the August 2011 thread we can all wait out the journey together
Hope you find the answer you need 

[canadianwoman]

A legal secretary I know says a notary public would be better - a commissioner of oaths is just for your own province.

However, I think the fact you are married will show that the long-ago common-law relationship is over. Sending the tax forms showing your spouse filed as single should be good enough - at least good enough for now, and if the visa officer wants the notarized document later, you can send it then. Get that document as soon as possible, though, just to have it if needed.