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[[Portal:United States of America|Portal:United States of America]] | [[Portal:United States of America|Portal:United States of America]] | ||
Court records are usually searched after other records have already been investigated, but they should not be overlooked. Court records can establish family relationships and places of residence. They often provide occupations, descriptions of individuals, and other excellent family history information. | Court records are usually searched after other records have already been investigated, but they should not be overlooked. Court records can establish family relationships and places of residence. They often provide occupations, descriptions of individuals, and other excellent family history information. | ||
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Many of your ancestors' names will be found in court records—perhaps as defendants, plaintiffs, witnesses, or jurors. They may have participated in cases involving: | Many of your ancestors' names will be found in court records—perhaps as defendants, plaintiffs, witnesses, or jurors. They may have participated in cases involving: | ||
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| Probate | | Probate | ||
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Many other matters brought before a court. | Many other matters brought before a court. | ||
Because of their great importance to family history research, court records of “[[United States Probate Records|Probate]]” and “[[United States Naturalization and Citizenship|Naturalization]]” are discussed in separate sections of this outline. Divorces are discussed under “[[United states vital records|United | Because of their great importance to family history research, court records of “[[United States Probate Records|Probate]]” and “[[United States Naturalization and Citizenship|Naturalization]]” are discussed in separate sections of this outline. Divorces are discussed under “[[United states vital records|United States Vital Records]].” | ||
Unfortunately, court records tend to be difficult to use. The records are usually not well-indexed, there are many records, court names and jurisdictions changed, and they use many legal terms and abbreviations. To interpret court records you may need to consult a dictionary, such as: | Unfortunately, court records tend to be difficult to use. The records are usually not well-indexed, there are many records, court names and jurisdictions changed, and they use many legal terms and abbreviations. To interpret court records you may need to consult a dictionary, such as: | ||
*Black, Henry Campbell. ''Black's Law Dictionary''. Sixth Edition. St. Paul, Minnesota: West Publishing, 1990. ( | *Black, Henry Campbell. ''Black's Law Dictionary''. Sixth Edition. St. Paul, Minnesota: West Publishing, 1990. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=736552&disp=Black%27s+law+dictionary%20%20&columns=*,0,0 340.03 B564L] 1990.) | ||
*Evans, Barbara Jean. ''The New A to Zax: A Comprehensive Genealogical Dictionary for Genealogists and Historians''. Second Edition. Champaign, Illinois: B. J. Evans, 1990. ( | *Evans, Barbara Jean. ''The New A to Zax: A Comprehensive Genealogical Dictionary for Genealogists and Historians''. Second Edition. Champaign, Illinois: B. J. Evans, 1990. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=530737&disp=The+new+A+to+Zax%20%20&columns=*,0,0 973 D26e].) Gives archaic, occupational, and legal definitions. Includes a list of nicknames. | ||
There are three main types of legal cases you may find in court records. | There are three main types of legal cases you may find in court records. | ||
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Many adoptees desire to identify their birth parents. This information is found in adoption records kept by a court, but these records are usually sealed and can be obtained only for good reason by getting a court order. These modern court records are not available at the Family History Library. You will need legal assistance to request a court order. You can also contact one of the many organizations that have been established in most states to assist adoptees. Further suggestions and addresses, including suggestions for locating missing persons, are in: | Many adoptees desire to identify their birth parents. This information is found in adoption records kept by a court, but these records are usually sealed and can be obtained only for good reason by getting a court order. These modern court records are not available at the Family History Library. You will need legal assistance to request a court order. You can also contact one of the many organizations that have been established in most states to assist adoptees. Further suggestions and addresses, including suggestions for locating missing persons, are in: | ||
*Askin, Jayne. ''Search: A Handbook for Adoptees and Birthparents''. Second Edition. Phoenix, Arizona: Oryx Press, 1992. ( | *Askin, Jayne. ''Search: A Handbook for Adoptees and Birthparents''. Second Edition. Phoenix, Arizona: Oryx Press, 1992. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=740523&disp=Search+%3A+a+handbook+for+adoptees+and+b%20%20&columns=*,0,0 973 D27aj] 1992.) | ||
*Klunder, Virgil L. ''Lifeline: The Action Guide to Adoption Search''. Cape Coral, Florida: Caradium Publishing, 1991. ( | *Klunder, Virgil L. ''Lifeline: The Action Guide to Adoption Search''. Cape Coral, Florida: Caradium Publishing, 1991. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=425952&disp=Lifeline+%3A+the+action+guide+to+adoptio%20%20&columns=*,0,0 973 D27kL].) | ||
For the most up-to-date information about people who can search this kind of court record contact: | For the most up-to-date information about people who can search this kind of court record contact: | ||