Marriage records aren’t always easy to produce, especially if you’re in a state that doesn’t make marriage records public. In fact, there is a lot of variation in how marriage or divorce records are handled in each state.
Additionally, marriage or divorce records may be available depending on the specific type of background check that’s being run. With all of these factors, it’s no surprise that things will get confusing.
The good news is that we’re here to help. We’ll take you through what you need to know about marriage records and when they end up on a background check.
What Are Marriage Records?
Marriage records are records that document someone’s marriage. Most marriage records include information like the name of the spouses, the date of the marriage, and the family names.
Another component of marriage records is typically the marriage license and certificate. These are also records that can be obtained depending on the reason for getting them.
Are Marriage Records Public Records?
No, marriage records are not public records. That said, there are some circumstances where they do become public records. For tax purposes, the government has an idea of whether or not someone is married.
Additionally, it’s possible to look up marriage records online or through a public record search after 50 years. Some states may also have unique laws surrounding these background checks.
Does Marriage Status Appear on a Background Check?
Yes and no. Ultimately, it depends on the type of background check. For general employment background checks, it’s unlikely that marital status will show up.
That said, marriage status may show up in civil court cases or in situations where someone is applying for a marriage license. In most cases, it won’t appear on a general background check.
Does a Divorce Appear on a Background Check?
Yes, divorce may show up on a background check. Most divorces go through civil court, so it’s not uncommon for civil background checks to reveal divorce records. That said, a general background check usually won’t reveal a divorce because it’s not what employers are interested in. Some government background checks may include divorce records, though.
How to Run a Background Check or Discover if Someone Is Married
Discovering if someone is married can be done in a few ways. You can check to see if two people have the same last name or if they live under the same roof. It’s also possible to use a background check tool to discover someone’s marital status. Some other methods include hiring a private investigator or running a Google search.
Running a Background Check
One of the most efficient ways to run a background check is to use an online website like Information.com. These tools are affordable and let you know if it’s worth pursuing a more in-depth background check. Plus, you may find everything you need with a simple public records search because it displays associates and spouses.
When it comes to running a background check with Information.com, follow the steps below.
- Visit Information.com and head over to the Background Check Search.
- Enter the person’s first name, last name, address, city, and state.
- Click Search.
- Scroll through the results until you find the person you’re looking for.
- Open the Full Report.
Once you open the full report you can discover their records. Included may be their spouses or known associates. You can match the last names and ages to get a better idea of someone’s marital status.
Google Search
Google searches are also efficient for finding someone’s marital status. However, it’s luck of the draw, especially if someone has no online presence. Still, you can get lucky with the right search.
First and foremost, enter their names into Google and see what comes up. Some couples make a website for their wedding to include pictures and a guest list. If they have one, there’s a good chance you’ll find them on Google.
Another way to find them is to look through the search results for social media pages. You may find their Instagram or Facebook account, which might include their marital status.
Unfortunately, Google is like finding a needle in a haystack when it comes to finding marriage records. Instead, we recommend using a background check tool like Information.com.
Hiring a Private Investigator
Private investigators are also useful for finding someone’s marital status. In fact, it’s one of the best options. While expensive, finding a good PI will give you the best results because they can physically follow someone or gain access to records you otherwise cannot.
While private investigators are effective, it’s not always worth the cost. We only recommend doing so if you have luck with Google or a public records search tool like Information.com.
Learn More About Someone’s Marriage Status Today
It’s not hard to find someone’s marital status when you know where to look. While you might not be able to view their license or certificate, you can find their marital status with the help of websites like Information.com. Plus, Google and private investigators are some other resources you can leverage when you’re not having much luck.
About the Author/s
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
