Marriage and Divorce Records Search

Marriage records and divorce records document when a marriage or divorce took place, the legal date of the event, the parties involved, any witnesses and in which state this took place.

Marriage records are most commonly called marriage certificates and divorce records are most commonly called divorce papers. Marriage certificates are most often signed by an official, the two parties being joined in matrimony and the witnesses to the ceremony of marriage. The marriage license can also be issued by an individual state and signed by a judge or Justice of the Peace.

In the United States, a marriage is not valid unless a marriage certificate is obtained through the proper governing authority in the locale where the couple is to be married. While two individuals can marry each other without the benefit of a license or presiding official, that marriage will not be recognized as a legal union, meaning the couple cannot take advantage of tax breaks and other benefits of a legal marriage. In most states, anyone over 18 can apply for a marriage license and, in some states, even younger than 18 with parental consent prior to the ceremony.

Divorce records, on the other hand, document when and where a divorce occurred and the parties involved. Divorce is also known as ??ˇÓdissolution of marriage??. Whether a couple has been married 25 years or 5 months, they can file for divorce. Most states offer ??no-fault?? divorce, meaning neither party must state a reason for divorcing. Some states still require a reason, and a court trial can ensue to prove or disprove that reason (such as cheating, insanity and other reasons) and determine issues related to the division of marital assets. Most couples who divorce cite the reason of ??irreconcilable differences??, or simply not getting along. Divorce records and marriage records can often be obtained at the local or state courthouse since both must be filed with the state government.

When conducting a background check, it can become difficult to track an individual whose name has changed due to marriage or divorce. If you have the woman??s maiden name, your search is already simplified. If you have her married name, the investigation may take more time, but can still be done. Since a woman wishing to legally return to using her maiden name after a divorce must get permission via a court hearing, the courthouse in her locale would have copies of these documents, and this can be very helpful.

Marriage and divorce records can sometimes also be obtained on the Internet through different state websites. There may be a small fee beginning at about $25 to obtain the records, or to obtain additional copies of records. The documents are kept on file by the state in case a person loses the original copy of their marriage or divorce record. This makes it easier for people to obtain their own information without having to go through a lot of red tape to recover the original document. In most cases, all you need is the name of the parties involved and the date of the marriage certificate or divorce decree. Most records are kept in the state??s archives or with the Clerk of the Superior Court.

Find out for sure about the marriages and divorces that are important to you with http://www.governmentregistry.org/.