Marriage divorce
Order certified copies from the state or county that issued them, needed for SSA survivor benefits and some claims
Some steps differ by region inside the country.
Where
The county clerk or vital records office where the marriage was licensed, and the court that granted any divorce.
How
Check their files first, both documents are often kept with the will.
Order a certified marriage certificate from the county or state where the license was issued.
Order the divorce decree from the clerk of the court that granted it, since the full decree often contains obligations that survive death.
Provide both to the probate court, insurers, and Social Security as needed.
What to bring
Both names, including maiden names
The date and place of the marriage or divorce
Payment for each copy
This is practical information, not legal, medical, or financial advice.