Thanks everybody who replied to my questions. My cousin (and partner in crime :o) talked to an attorney regarding VA law on this matter. As someone mentioned in their reply, funeral homes were not required to be licensed until 1950, so there was no law regarding records before then. From 1950 on, funeral homes were required to keep records regarding funerals, burial, other services rendered, for 10 years. After 10 years, they are supposed to send them to the Dept. of Vital Statistics. Many funeral homes did keep records before 1950, so it's worth a phone call to inquire. Thanks again, Lynnie