New York Free Public Marriage Records

By Claire Dowell


New York is not so lenient in providing marriage documents to the public. Although they are part of the vital records, which are public records, they cannot be accessed by just anyone. The only ones who can access New York Marriage records are either of the couple, and any person who possess a documented judicial or any other legal purpose.

One legal purpose is when the files are needed by a client to claim a benefit. Documentation consists of an official letter from the office indicating that a marriage file is required to start processing the claim.

The New York State Department of Health is in charge of preserving New York Marriage files. Certified copies of marriage certificates of marriages since 1881 are available at the Department of Health. They only keep files outside of the New York City. Marriages prior to 1881 have their marriage certificates available at the clerk of court where the marriage transpired. Certificates of marriages inside the 5 boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Kings, Queen, Bronx or Brooklyn, and Staten Island or Richmond) are found at the New York City Marriage Bureau. If the files are 50 years old or older, or if both the husband and the wife are dead, an uncertified copy can be issued.

To obtain the marriage files you must provide the following information namely: husband's full name and birthday, bride's full maiden name and birthday, address of the husband and the wife, date and place of marriage, reason for obtaining the files, proof of relationship to the husband and wife, and valid Identification cards.

The New York State Department of Health accepts mail requests of marriage certificates. They require a fee of $30 per copy of the certificate and $15 additional fee for priority handling. Government agencies take a while to process the documents. Luckily, you can access them through private record providers. Surf the net so you can find a service provider that will fit your needs and find out if they are for free or do they come with a corresponding fee.

Do not forget that a marriage ceremony cannot be performed without a marriage license. Marriage license records are maintained at the clerk office where the license was filed. You can acquire a license as early as 14 years old but must come with consent from either the parents or a judge from the Supreme Court. A license must be applied for by both the husband and wife in one setting. They are only valid for 60 calendar days and are not ready for use 24 hours after it is issued.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment

Copyright © 2012 Law Lemon WisconsinedTemplate by : UrangkuraiPowered by Blogger.Please upgrade to a Modern Browser.