Conduct Online Free Marriage Records Search

By Claire Dowell


If you want to get your hands on California Marriage Records, you can go to the state's Public Health office. Marriage files are originally filed at the same county clerk of court where the marriage license is granted. And once they are finalized, they are then transferred to the state repository.

Several vital pieces of information are included in a marriage file. Some of which include the names of the bride and the groom, their date of birth, time and date of marriage, names of witnesses, and others. A marriage file is not considered complete or final if it there is no marriage license. Once a license is granted, it is only valid for 90 days and if the couple fails to marry within that period, the license will expire. Divorce files should be presented by those who apply for a marriage license but have been married in the past.

There are two types of marriage records that can be obtained: authorized and informational copies. Both copies are certified. However, only authorized copies are accepted by the court to be used as a legal document while informational copies are only good for providing information. Any member of the general public can place a request for marriage records but only those whose names are found on the record, such as the couple, their parents, children, and law enforcers amongst others are allowed to obtain authorized records.

To start a search, head to the Public Health office and get the request form and make sure to supply it with all the necessary details. Mention all the details that you know of the document to increase the chances of locating the right document and to get the results faster and not have to wait a several months. If you are aware which particular county clerk of court has the documents, you can place your request there as well. A notarized sworn statement is required if you want to get authorized versions of the documents. Other requirements for requesting the documents include a government-issued ID and the appropriate fees. All fees paid are not subject to a refund even if the requested documents are not located.

You may also obtain marriage records from authorized online service providers. There are several you can find on the Internet. However, not all have the ability to provide genuine information. Create a short list of service providers you are considering of using and conduct a background check on them. One way of finding out if they are a reliable source is by looking at what other clients think of their services.

Some websites will require a certain amount of fee while some offer Public Marriage Records Free. No matter which one you choose to use, you will be given the basics of a marriage file. All you need to provide to begin a search is the full name of either the bride or the groom. It will not matter where you got the files as long as you abide by the laws that govern them. Anyone who uses the files to defame, embarrass, harass, or blackmail other people will be dealt with accordingly by the law.




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