A vital records search is an important tool in any beginner detective’s belt. Whether you are conducting genealogical research, spying on a boyfriend or girlfriend, trying to locate someone or just practicing your detective skills, the vital records database is an important step in becoming your own private eye.

Familiarize Yourself with Vital Records
Beginners underestimate the power of a good vital records search. They just don’t realize the wealth of information that can be found simply by searching through court records.

Here is just a sample of the records you might find when searching through public records:

• Criminal Background

o    Felonies
o    Misdemeanors
o    Sex Offenses
o    DUI/DWI

• Phone Number and Address History
• Civil Judgments
• Any Bankruptcy Claims
• Arrest Records including Warrants
• Relatives and their addresses
• Roommates,  Associates, and Neighbors
• Date of Birth
• Alias/Maiden Name
• Tax Liens
• Voter Records
• Marriages/Divorces
• Death Index Check

Key to Keeping Searches Secret
Private eyes, police officers, and federal agents rely on searches being kept quiet. You too need this same security when conducting your search. This is what makes online searches so useful. You do not have to go to the courthouse, where people can see you, to ask for information. You can search in the privacy of your own home.

However, you need to make sure your choice of search databases will keep up their end as well. Always check the privacy policy before conducting a search. You do not want a database that will sell your information. Since you put in a credit card to pay, you need some assurance that they will keep your information secret. That is why we recommend a site that keeps your searches in the highest of confidence.

Ethical Requirements of Vital Records Searches
As a beginner detective, you are expected to keep information confidential. Not everything you find should be shared with the general public. You need to remember, just as you want your information to remain private, so will others.

When people ask you to research people, keep their information and the results secret. This is especially true when you locate disparaging information like criminal backgrounds, divorces and other offenses. This information can hurt people and it does involve real people. Therefore, if you want repeat business, you will keep information private.

You can begin your private detective work now by conducting a vital records search. Familiarize yourself with the information and you will be on your way to a successful private eye.

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Everyday more and more people are learning about the possibility of searching vital info online. This amazing new tool gives you, the average Joe, the ability to find out everything you need to know about someone, just like your own detection agency.

Who uses vital info searches?

Anyone that wants to know someone better. This way you know exactly what you are getting into before you start. Whether you are hiring a person, beginning to date someone, or just curious about some neighbors, the information allows you to know someone much better.

Can’t I just ask them about their past?

You could ask people, but people lie. They may not tell you everything you want or need to know about their history. A guy you are dating may not want to tell you he is married. A babysitter may not want to tell you that they have three DWIs. However, this is all things you need to know before you get involved with the person.

Isn’t looking at someone’s public records nosey?

You can call it nosey but these documents are part of the “public record.” That means it is no longer their private business. It is out there for everyone to see, if they want to look for it. Just because others may not look, does not mean I am being nosey.

Besides, when their past affects my future, I have a right to know. I have the right to know if my neighbor is a sex offender. I have a right to know the person I am dating has a history of domestic violence. Not only do I have the right, it is part of my children’s and my safety.

Won’t they find out I did a people search on them?

A good database will offer you the security of searching without fear of being caught. They will protect your private information so no one will know who or what you searched for. When you do go look up court records, divorce records and such, always check the site to make sure they respect your privacy. There is no reason the person has to find out you looked.

Can’t someone look me up as well?

Absolutely, many times people like to look up themselves in the database. They get a kick out of seeing what the database pulls up. They also like knowing the accuracy of the database. Remember, all of the information is public. That means if you pulled it up so could someone else.  See what vital info is out there on you. You just might be surprised at how detailed the reports are.

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When you are searching for vital documents, you need to follow some basic guidelines if you want the search to be successful. First, let’s discuss what documents are involved in a vital documents search.

Records Found in a Vital Document Search

Every vital records search will pull up a variety of documents. Those documents will vary depending on what can be found. However, you can rest assured that when you use a public records database that is updated everyday that you will get the most information possible.

• Birth records
• Death record
• Marriage records / Divorce records
• Adoption records
• Address history, listed and unlisted phone numbers
• Probate records, property records, court records, criminal records

Import Guidelines to Follow when Writing for Vital Documents
When you look for documents, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. It will make retrieving the documents easier when you send off for them.

• Whe you are writing your letters, keep the information to the point. Keep out all the excess information that you do not need.
• Only include one or two request and be careful not to write too much information.
• Do include all the previous names, nicknames, and alternate spellings.
• List all the dates for all the events you want checked. If you do not know the exact date, include a time frame for search information.
• Send the request with a Self Address Stamped Envelope

The most important part is being patient. Remember, the people looking have other things to do. They will look as best as they can, but it takes them time to locate the information. When they find it, they will send you everything they have.

Writing for Birth Certificate Information
When you write the county for a birth certificate, you will want to include the following:

• First and Last name of the Person
• Date of Birth
• Birthplace
• Gender
• Maiden Name of the Mother
• Father’s Name
• How you are related
• Your name and address
• Your driver’s license number
• At Self Addressed Stamp Envelope
• Make sure you sign the request

A Simpler Way to Search
Of course, a much simpler way to search for vital records is searching online. When you search online, you do not have to wait for someone else to look for the “right” form. You do not have to send off requests and wait for replies. More importantly, you can do it all in the privacy of your own home and you do not need all the information. You can look with just a name. Start searching vital documents now.

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When you first start your birth records search, it can be quite overwhelming. Ads start popping up saying, “Free Birth Records, Birth Records Database, and Vital Records.” You start clicking around and before you know, there are 50 results with your name. All you wanted was to help your kid with a school project and while you were at it build a family tree.

The commercials on TV make it look so easy. It really is. Take a deep breath and you will see for yourself that finding some birth records online is simple.

Vital Records Search (Court Records)

Vital records are all your public records. This is where you will find marriage/divorce, birth/death/adoption, criminal, and property records. You will start your search for any type of genealogy search here.

Don’t let all these overwhelm you, as you do not need them all and many overlap. For example, for every divorce record there is a corresponding marriage record. Therefore, you don’t need to look up marriage records if you have a divorce record because obviously the couple got married. The same goes for a death record. If a person died, then there has to be a birth record somewhere.

Conducting a Birth Records Search Online

When it is time to conduct a search online, it is best to pick a database that has all these records in one spot. It will make searching easier. Since documents are not easy to locate, a site that has multiple databases will give you a better shot of finding at least one record.

Once you input the name, be prepared for multiple results. This is common, as more than one person will have the same name. You will then have to narrow down the list by city, state, or possible age.

Finding Birth Records Using Other Public Records

Unless you need a birth record, birth records are not an efficient means to tracking down relatives. However, this is how many people try to create a family tree. By the time you have enough information for a birth record, you know enough to move on. The birth record only tells you the name of the parents.

However, if you use birth records to search for marriage and subsequent divorce records, you can hit the jackpot. Divorce records lists all the names and ages of children from the marriage. This builds your family tree fast. Therefore, I highly recommend searching divorce records whenever possible.

All you need to search birth records, marriage records, divorce records, or any other public records is a computer. Take a deep breath and start a birth records search today. It is fast, fun and easy.

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