Life & Records
Start with the life event. Then find the office that owns the record.
Marriage, divorce, a new child, a name change, and a death can touch several systems at once. These guides keep the first decision and the official source close together.
A marriage begins
Getting married ->Get the license from the right clerk, use an authorized officiant and witness, make sure the completed license is returned, and know how to order the certificate.
A marriage changes or ends
Divorce and separation ->Separate immediate safety, parenting, support, property, and the Supreme Court divorce case before changing shared records.
A child joins the family
New child and family leave ->Move from the birth or placement record to Social Security, health coverage, leave, and employer paperwork.
A name or identity record changes
Name change ->Start with the document that authorizes the change, then update federal, state, financial, work, and local records in a useful order.
A certificate is needed
Vital records ->New York State and New York City keep separate vital-record systems. The place and date of the event decide the office.
Someone has died
After a death ->Start with immediate arrangements and certificates, then identify the Surrogate's Court, estate, benefit, tax, and notification lanes.
For local clerks and courts, start with the place directory. For property, tax, housing, and permit work, use Rules & Licenses.
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