Hello Colleen, I am presuming you are wanting to obtain vital stats documents from the Manitoba Government??? If that is the case, you would only need a letter to obtain documents regarding her parents, with her signature as next of kin giving you permission to obtain these. As for waiting 20 years after her death, I am guessing that would only apply to her death certificate. I was in touch with the Vital Stats dept and they provided me with numerous form to complete for obtaining various "genealogical" certificates. If you are wanting to obtain a copy of her birth and/or marriage certificate, I would suggest you obtain these forms and just have her sign them. Unfortunately, as I am right in the midst of moving (next Saturday is D-day!) so I don't have them handy. Once moved, I may not have internet access for a week or so (horrors!!), but do keep in touch if you need any further help. Good luck! Regards, Eileen in British Columbia -- Yorkshire Interests: Appleyard, Bradley, Burwell, Hewitt, Johnson, Murfin, Pearson, Stubbs, Thompson. http://members.home.net/eileenmorgan/index.html