Does anyone know how to ..............

[MathGirl]

My aunt is a lawyer. She needs a piece of information and asked me if I could find out. Being unwilling to admit I don't know something, I said, 'Sure, no problem.' Trouble is, I have absolutely no idea how to find the information.

I need to find out if a certain person was married and to whom in the late seventies. I know the location, but I don't even know how to start searching public records.

Anyone here know how to do that? Any advice appreciated.
MG

 

[Guest]

Clerk of Court here you come...

Diane-

The Clerk of Court for the county keeps a record of every marriage license issued. Some counties have gotten up to speed and have these electronically recorded, some have not. If not, it is a manual search for the marriage license. Mind you, people can get a marriage license issued in one county and be married in another, so you may have to search a group of counties.

The only other way I can think of is by doing a credit check. Usually people have joint accounts and that may show up on a credit report.

b

 

[Guest]

MG: I've done this in a few counties, in person, but more recently on-line for L.A. All done on-line but for sending a check for a minimal fee for a hardcopy (for a death certificate). Just do a search for the county or city plus type in 'records'. P.

 

[Guest]

My aunt is a lawyer. She needs a piece of information and asked me if I could find out. Being unwilling to admit I don't know something, I said, 'Sure, no problem.' Trouble is, I have absolutely no idea how to find the information.

I need to find out if a certain person was married and to whom in the late seventies. I know the location, but I don't even know how to start searching public records.

Anyone here know how to do that? Any advice appreciated.
MG

Oh, how fun! (My graduate work was in historical research.) How well do you enjoy puzzles?

You've already received wonderful information from perdita and bridgetkeeney.

If you know the name, the county (or general area) and an approximate year you can easily find birth/death/marriage certificates.

It just depends on how far back the county has switched their paper copies to computer. Check on-line first, and then if necessary you'll have to contact them personally.

Call the County Clerk of Records and ask for the info. They can give it to you over the phone; if you want an official copy you'll be required to send a small fee.

Happy hunting!

 

[MathGirl]

Thanks, all, for the help. Looks like I'll need to do it by phone.
MG

 

[Guest]

Last bit of advice, Maths: lower your voice and enunciate.

helpfully, Perdita

 

[Guest]

Sooooooo...

Diane-

Do tell us how your foray into small town clerk of court interfacing went.

b