I think you can obtain the death certificate without anything but your indentification. That was all I had to do to obtain them from the health dept. in Jefferson County,Tx. This will give you the cause of death and parents names. I do not think you can obtain hospital records without a court order unless you are immediate family. They are considered "priviledge information". However, maybe if you are a grandchild,and need them for your own records it could make a difference. I don't know. But, check at the courthouse and the clerk will tell you. The county clerk,that is.