Several of the courthouse records are completely destroyed as a result of Katrina. The catastrophe of Katrina has taught us all valuable lessons. One thing we can do for ourselves is scan all of our important documents, papers and pictures (copy driver's license, SS card, deeds, wills, vehicle titles and etc.). Burn EVERYTHING to CD's and put everything into CD cases. Give copies to different relatives, put a copy in a safe or safety deposit box. If you know someone who does not have a computer or scanner offer to do their documents. Although most people will never be in a hurricane there are other natural disasters such as a fire or tornado which can occur. Patti