In a message dated 11/20/2004 1:01:53 AM Pacific Standard Time, MIOAKLAN-D-request@rootsweb.com writes: the probate court had a $10 check which was returned to me with a letter > stating that his file was in File No. 1353 (36A) and highlighted the > information that the charge was $1 a page and the file had 23 pages. They sent the check back because you didn't send enough to cover the pages. Send them the check for the $23 and you should get the file. It is this type of letter that I used to get when I requested info on a particular name. I might add that when I sent the letter to the probate court requesting info on a particular name I always provided the date of death for the individual. That didn't leave them guessing as to which Joe Blow I was looking for. It was very specific. Perhaps the problem comes when you don't have a date of death but just a range of years. Though that shouldn't be too much of a problem if you can narrow the date down to roughly 3-5 years plus or minus, but specificity would help. I still would like to see the death certificate requirement written in the local probate court rules or something in the probate code that says a death certificate or other form of identification is required. If other counties are also involved in this requirement, then I suspect it may be in the probate code, or other counties are getting wind of another county's requirement and are just following suit to make it a "uniform" thing. Maybe instead of showing up at the courthouse we inuindate them with mail in requests for information they might get the hint, though I'm sure our responses will become delayed. There was one lady I used to deal wtih a long time ago who had the surname of Best. I'm curious if she is still there? She may be retired by now as it was many years ago that I communicated with her about my files - about the time of the Sesquentiennal celebration for Michigan when, I'm sure of it, all counties were deluged with requests for information on ancestors in order to prove pioneer status or a resident of the state at the time of statehood. So, once again, could someone go to their local courts around the state of Michigan and see if there is something in writing, probate code, court administrator, local court rules, etc. that sets forth the requirements for obtaining probate records and the requirement to show the person is deceased. Really dumb as the probate file says they are! Christie Trapp