Beverly Kaufman marriage records are official documents that show when and where a marriage took place. These records matter for legal proof, family history research, and personal verification. In Texas, the Kaufman County Clerk maintains all local marriage licenses dating back over 150 years. You can view or request copies without paying fees. The office holds bound books from the late 1800s and digital scans of licenses issued after 2000. Researchers search by name, license number, or date to get full-page PDFs. The clerk’s office at 222 North Section Street, Kaufman, TX 75142 helps visitors Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mail requests go to Attn: Marriage License Mail Request, Kaufman, TX 75142 with a photocopy of the license and prepaid envelope. Certified copies arrive within ten business days.
How to Search for Beverly Kaufman Marriage Records
Start your search at the Kaufman County Clerk’s online portal. Enter “Beverly Kaufman” in the name field or use a spouse’s name if known. You can also input a license number or exact date. The system shows matching results with links to downloadable PDFs. For older records before 2000, staff retrieve physical volumes from storage. If you need help, call the office during business hours. Staff guide you through the process and confirm what details you have. Always double-check spelling because small errors cause missed results. Use middle initials like “Beverly L. Kaufman” for better accuracy. The database includes both brides and grooms, so try searching under either name.
Types of Marriage Records Available
Marriage records come in two main forms: original bound books and digital scans. Bound books hold handwritten entries from the 1800s up to the late 1990s. Each page lists names, dates, locations, and officiant signatures. After 2000, licenses became digital PDFs stored in the Official Public Records search system. These files include typed text, official seals, and notary stamps. Both types serve as legal proof of marriage. Researchers often need certified copies for court cases, name changes, or inheritance claims. The county issues these only to authorized parties or with proper ID. Uncertified copies work for genealogy but not legal use.
Verifying Identity Across Multiple States
Several people named Beverly Kaufman live across the U.S., so verify identity carefully. In Texas, Beverly L. Kaufman is 75 years old per the 2022 census. She is linked to Robert E. Kaufman, a retired electrical engineer, and a 2015 property sale in Baltimore. Another Beverly Kaufman lived in Dallas from 1930 to 2016. Her 1952 marriage certificate appears on Ancestry with German immigrant roots from the 1860s. A third person, Beverly Mary Kaufman, lived in Rhode Island from 1939 to 1998. She married Thomas L. Redding in 1965 and worked as a school librarian. Always cross-check birth years, locations, and family names to avoid confusion.
Using Public Directories and Whitepages
Whitepages lists three Beverly Kaufman entries in Texas: Houston, McCamey, and Round Rock. Each entry gives current addresses, phone numbers, and possible relatives. Filter by age range or include past residences to trace movements. In Virginia, three more entries exist in Richmond, Norfolk, and Alexandria. These profiles show landline numbers, utility bills, and background checks with no active warrants. Use this data to confirm which Beverly Kaufman matches your search. Combine directory info with marriage records for stronger proof. Avoid contacting living individuals without permission due to privacy laws.
Genealogy Research with Ancestry and Historical Archives
Ancestry holds detailed files on multiple Beverly Kaufmans. One profile covers Beverly Kaufman (1930–2016) from Dallas, including census data, a 1952 marriage certificate, and obituaries. Her lineage traces back to German settlers in Texas. Another profile follows Beverly Mary Kaufman (1939–1998) from Rhode Island. It includes a 1965 marriage license, yearbook photo, and death filing listing her as a librarian. Some trees link her family to Mayflower passengers and colonial government roles. Use these sources to build family timelines or verify relationships. Always cite primary documents like licenses or death certificates for credibility.
Court and Property Records Linked to Marriage
Marriage records sometimes connect to court filings or property deeds. For example, Beverly Kaufman in Boca Raton, Florida, owned a condo at 450 North Ocean Boulevard, unit 12B, bought in 1978. Court papers show she filed for divorce in 1982 from Robert J. Matthews, a local attorney. Her death in 1985 was due to respiratory illness. In Baltimore, Beverly E. Kaufman bought a home at 3303 Olympia Avenue in 2015 for $210,000. Vehicle records list a 2005 Toyota Camry registered in her name. These details help confirm identity when marriage records alone aren’t enough.
Requesting Certified Copies from County Offices
To get a certified copy, visit the Kaufman County Clerk in person or mail a request. Bring a photo ID and proof of relationship if needed. For mailed requests, send a clear photocopy of the original license, a completed form, and a prepaid return envelope. Processing takes up to ten business days. Certified copies bear an official seal and are valid for legal purposes. Fees may apply for expedited service or extra pages. Call ahead to confirm requirements or check if online ordering is available. Never send cash through the mail—use checks or money orders.
Comparing Records Across Jurisdictions
Different states store marriage records differently. Harris County, Texas, keeps over 500,000 licenses since 1901 in temperature-controlled vaults. Los Angeles County uses a $12 fee and mail-in forms processed in ten days. Kaufman County offers free access with faster digital retrieval. Always check local rules before submitting requests. Some counties require notarized forms or proof of identity. Others allow third-party requests with written permission. Knowing these differences saves time and avoids rejected applications.
Common Mistakes When Searching Marriage Records
Many people misspell names or use wrong dates. Try “Bev Kaufman” or “Beverly E. Kaufman” if full names fail. Check alternate spellings like “Coffman” if records seem missing. Use approximate years if exact dates are unknown. Search under both bride and groom names since indexing varies. Avoid assuming one state holds all records—people move, remarry, or change names. Always verify with multiple sources like census data, obituaries, or property files.
Privacy and Legal Considerations
Marriage records are public but have limits. Living individuals’ contact info should not be shared without consent. Certified copies require proof of eligibility for legal use. Unauthorized distribution violates privacy laws in some states. Researchers must respect boundaries when contacting family members. Always cite sources properly and avoid false claims about relationships. Misusing records can lead to legal penalties or damage reputations.
Tools and Websites for Record Search
Use official county portals first for accuracy. MarriedRecords.org aggregates data from archives, clerk offices, and newspapers. It shows names, ages, dates, and jurisdictions for marriages. Whitepages helps locate current addresses and relatives. Ancestry provides deep genealogical context with primary documents. Clustrmaps lists identifiers like Beverly L. Kaufman and links to property or vehicle records. Combine these tools for thorough research. Always prioritize government sources over third-party sites for legal validity.
Historical Context of Kaufman County Marriages
Kaufman County began recording marriages in the late 1800s. Early books reflect handwritten entries with ink and paper. Over time, typing replaced handwriting, and digital scans improved access. The county’s growth brought more licenses, especially after 2000. Today, researchers can trace family lines across generations using these records. Events like wars, migrations, and economic shifts appear in marriage patterns. Studying them reveals social history beyond individual stories.
How to Handle Incomplete or Missing Records
Some records may be lost, damaged, or never filed. If you can’t find a license, check adjacent counties or neighboring states. Look for church records, newspaper announcements, or family bibles as backups. Contact the Texas State Library for statewide indexes. For very old entries, microfilm archives might hold copies. Always document your search steps in case appeals are needed. Persistence often uncovers hidden or misfiled documents.
Benefits of Digitized Marriage Records
Digital records make searching faster and reduce wear on physical books. PDFs preserve handwriting, seals, and signatures clearly. Online access allows 24/7 research from anywhere. Indexing by name, date, or number improves accuracy. Researchers save time compared to manual page-turning. However, older records remain in bound volumes until scanned. The county continues digitizing based on funding and priority.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beverly Kaufman Marriage Records
People often ask how to start, what info is needed, and where to look. Others wonder about fees, privacy, or handling duplicates. Below are common questions with clear answers based on current practices and official policies.
How do I know which Beverly Kaufman record belongs to my relative?
Compare birth years, locations, spouse names, and family members across sources. Use census data, obituaries, and property records to confirm matches. If multiple people share the same name, focus on unique details like middle initials or career info. Cross-referencing reduces errors and builds stronger evidence.
Can I get a marriage record if I’m not related to Beverly Kaufman?
Yes, marriage records are public in Texas. You can view or download uncertified copies online. Certified copies require proof of eligibility, such as legal need or direct relationship. Always check current county rules before requesting.
What if the record I need is from before 2000?
Pre-2000 records are in bound books at the Kaufman County Clerk’s office. Staff retrieve them upon request. Allow extra time for physical searches. Some older volumes may be on microfilm at state archives.
Are online marriage record sites reliable?
Government sites like the Kaufman County Clerk are most reliable. Third-party sites like MarriedRecords.org or Ancestry offer helpful context but may contain errors. Always verify with official sources for legal purposes.
How long does it take to receive a certified copy by mail?
The Kaufman County Clerk returns certified copies within ten business days of receiving a complete request. Include a prepaid envelope and clear photocopy of the license. Rush service may be available for an added fee.
Can I search for Beverly Kaufman marriage records in other states?
Yes, but each state has its own process. Check county clerk websites or vital records offices. Some states charge fees or restrict access. Use tools like Whitepages or Ancestry to locate possible jurisdictions first.
What should I do if I find incorrect information in a marriage record?
Contact the Kaufman County Clerk with proof of the error, such as a corrected license or court order. Staff will review and update records if valid. Keep copies of all communication for your files.
For official requests or questions, contact the Kaufman County Clerk at 222 North Section Street, Kaufman, TX 75142. Phone: (972) 932-4221. Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Visit https://www.kaufmancounty.net/county-clerk/about/marriage-licenses/marriage-license-search/ for online searches.
