I've never had any problem getting a Virginia birth or death certificate if it was available. I've always listed the purpose as "genealogy" or "family history" (or even "family medical history" for direct-line ancestors or other close relatives), and after my relationship to the subject added that I'm the surviving next-of-kin. I figure, even if there are other living descendants, in my direct line since my parents and grandparents are all deceased, I AM next! Have never had it questioned except when I asked for my baby brother's birth/death records. That's when they asked about next-of-kin status and I think I had to provide the death information for my parents for their satisfaction. That was at least ten years ago, and procedures and personnel change. I understand that records of deceased children are prime information for those wanting to commit identity crimes, so it's good that they questioned that even more (and I was relieved to see that his birth certificate also indicates that he was deceased, though in his case the hospital would have filed both records at the same time because he only lived a few hours). As for the lack of vital records from 1896-1912, not only did the legislature take away the funding, I've heard that they diverted it to a "higher good" that no one at that time would have questioned -- funding pensions for the Confederate veterans and widows. Haven't bothered to read the legislative records on this, but the timing is about right, and it's a good story if its not true. I have read the 1853 Act that resulted in the collection and reporting of birth and death information that we all rely upon. It doesn't give any specifics, and is very direct and to the point. It simply provides that the Clerks of Court would be paid 3 cents for every record they reported to Richmond! That was a lot of work for three cents per name, but three cents was worth a lot more back then. Rosie in Richmond To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html