How do i access public records?(the paper kind)

[Lithium381]

I need to find papers regarding my mothers divorce procedings, so how do i go about obtaining those? Do i go to the county records office and request them, then wait for 5 hours ? thanks, any direction is greatly appreciated!!

 

[tcsenter]

You call or go down to the county court building and look for their records division, ask how to find what you need. Bring money, there is almost always a record-keeping/research fee. Once you know where you need to be looking, you can do all of this stuff from home by writing a VERY POLITE letter to the appropriate agency, requesting the information (include as much details as you can), and enclosing a money order made out to the appropriate agency for $15 - $30 (record keeping fees). Its amazing what you can accomplish with a well-written letter and a money order. I've gotten people's driving and criminal records dating back 12 years, every address they've ever lived at, every car they've ever owned (VIN ID and tag numbers included), their credit history, last known place of employment, I've even found some social security numbers on court documents. Don't mess with me. ;-)

 

[Lithium381]

So i can't just go down and have a look through the files to find what i need? i have to write a letter?

 

[Lithium381]

Wel, i wanted to go today, since i dont' think they're open saturdays, is letter the only way or do i need to apear phsyicsly with a wad of cash?

 

[Bobomatic]

A wad of cash is always good

 

[Lithium381]

<< A wad of cash is always good >>



not if i have to give it away!!:disgust:

 

[orty]

Everybody here is right. You will need to go down to the county records office, and somebody there will be able to help.

If you're looking for somebody to help you dig it up directly, talk to a journalist or a lawyer, as both of those professions are good at digging up stuff like that.

Also, depending on the size/setup of your records system, there's a chance that there's a computer somewhere at the county records building or at the courthouse that will have what you need (as they are public records, after all). You will more than likely have to pay a per-page printing cost, but it'll be cheaper than having somebody else do it.

-orty (journalist at one time )

 

[tcsenter]

<< So i can't just go down and have a look through the files to find what i need? i have to write a letter? >>

Sure, you can go in person. I was just saying that once you find out the agencies and offices you need to be dealing with, and the fees they charge for record retrieval, you needn't go in person. You can do it by mail, most of the time. The fees are not huge in most areas, usually $5.00 - $20.00 per request.