Learning about Vital Records
September 2nd, 2010Each significant occurrence or event in the life of a person generates an official record. These are anything from birth through official occurrences like marriage or foreclosures – even death – and they are all kept on file at an official location. All of these official records are collectively referred to as Vital Records and they legally document the events.
These crucial documents are critical to society in a variety of ways. Below is a list of each vital record, what is included, and why they are useful.
Birth Certificates
Birth Certificates are records that identify the particulars of a birth, including date, time of day, and location, facility and doctor name. This document can normally be obtained from the County or State government that is charged with maintaining these records.
The typical U.S. birth certificate form has been standardized by the U.S. Public Health Service, but states are free to issue their own form. On the form, you will find the following:
• Child’s Information – Including name, date and time of birth, sex, city and county of birth, and the specific place of birth (hospital, residence, etc.)
• Certifier/Attendant – Must be an approved certifier by the state
• Mother’s Information
• Father’s Information
• Other Demographic Information – Such as race, pregnancy history, marriage status of mother, etc.
This document is important for a number of reasons. First, the document is kept in the registrar’s office in each state for important census information. It can also be used – if certified copy is obtained – for the following:
• The official provider of identification
• Obtaining a driver’s license
• Obtaining a passport
• Procuring a U.S. Social Security Number
• Producing an official Family Tree
This may also include an address search.
Marriage Certificate
A marriage license, or marriage certificate, is also issued and kept at the state level. This is an authorization for two legally certified individuals to enter into a legal marriage.
The marriage license is signed by both parties and the official as designated by the State – typically a registrar or clerk. The information includes the date and county that the marriage took place.
Marriage certificates can be useful for:
• Verifying a marital union
• Verifying a family history
• Obtaining spousal insurance
Divorce Records
Divorce records are legal documents usually written by attorneys and filed in county courts. They record the dissolution of a legal marriage and they also specify both the separation of ownership of the assets of the marriage and any court orders regarding children.
There is no standard form for a divorce document, since each divorce is unique to each married couple. The names of the parties, marriage location and dates are typically included, along with the date and court where the annulment or divorce was decreed. Divorce documents may also contain sensitive information such as tax records, income records, criminal records, and lists of assets. You may typically obtain it from a people finder business.
Divorce records can be used for:
• Determining the divorce status of an individual
• Revealing criminal history of an individual
• Verifying family history for a genealogy search
• Verifying the last known address of an individual
Death Certificate
A Death Certificate is the official recording of the death of a human being and all such occurrence produce one – which includes date and cause of death. When a death occurs, a certificate of death is issued by a coroner, or other government official. The certificate explains the approximate date, time, location, and cause of death.
Death certificates are important to be used for:
• Verifying the death of an individual
• Verifying family history or genealogy search
• Use in estate probate
• Verification of life insurance claim
These can be extremely beneficial documents if you are trying to find a person.