Sunday 13 January 2013

California - Birth And Death Records

By Claire Dowell


Research is an important element for anyone working on a genealogical project like a family tree. Aside from taking note of all your living relatives, you will also need to gather information about your deceased loved ones. The best way to do this is to get a copy of their death records. If you lived in the past, this is something you will find extra challenging; but today, obtaining access to public records has become quite easy. Since every state in the US has its own set of rules for getting hold of public or vital records, it is important to know certain rules and guidelines, as well as which agency or office you should go to. If you are looking for Death Records California, approaching the right office will help make your search faster and easier.

The California Department of Health Office of Vital Records (OVR) is the key repository of anything and everything related to death records. All deaths recorded beginning July 1, 1905 are kept in this office, while those that took place earlier than 1905 have to be accessed through the County Recorder (in the county where the death occurred). When filing a request, you will be required to fill in a form that will include information such as name of the dead person, date and place of birth, and the full name of the deceased's father and mother (including maiden name). You will also be asked to explain the reason for your request. Quite a lot of information, don't you think so?

The process does not stop there. Your next step is to pay for every record copy that you request for. One copy is worth $15; so if you need to access five different records, you will have to pay a total of $75. However, if you are not an immediate family member of the deceased, you will not be given the authorized copy of the records. You will only get an informational copy of Death Records in California. Only the immediate family member and the legal representative of the deceased are allowed to get hold of an authorized copy of a death certificate.

The long and tedious process involved in obtaining public records from state offices is another issue that you may want to avoid. There is an equivalent waiting period for every record that you request for: records from 1993 up to the present will be released only after approximately three weeks, while Death Records California that were filed from 1905 up to 1992 has a waiting or processing period of around six weeks. Quite a long wait, don't you think so?

It is easy to avoid these setbacks, though, as there are tons of professional record providers online who offer reliable and efficient services. Some of these providers provide their services for free, while others ask for a minimal (usually one-time) fee. Many prefer to go with these record providers because they are assured of quality service: one that gives them what they need at the fastest time possible. Try to compare these two scenarios: go to any state office and file for a request, wait for several weeks and when your request is approved, get ready to shell out $15 for every copy that you obtain; or, find a reliable online record provider, pay their one-time fee, and get what you need - and more - in no time! Which do you think will work best for you?

So if you want to complete that genealogy project in the fastest time possible, go with online record providers. Once you do, you're guaranteed to get all the Death Records in California any time you need them!




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