Petitions to Determine Fact of Birth, Death or Marriage are filed with which department?

Petitions to Determine the Fact of Birth, Death, or Marriage are typically filed with the Probate Department because this department handles matters related to the legal status of individuals and the verification of vital records. The Probate Department is involved in cases that require the official recognition of life events, such as births, deaths, and marriages, particularly when there may be disputes or the need for court validation.

This department is responsible for overseeing the legal processes related to the estates of deceased individuals, guardianships, conservatorships, and issues concerning the validation of important life events. Filing such petitions here allows individuals to obtain a court order to establish or affirm these critical facts, which can be necessary for various legal purposes, including the settlement of estates or resolving matters related to family law.

In contrast, the Civil Department primarily deals with general civil litigation and non-family related legal matters. The Family Department focuses on issues such as divorce, custody, and child support, while the Health Department typically handles public health and safety regulations rather than legal determinations relating to personal status events. Thus, the Probate Department is the appropriate venue for these types of petitions.