Always include in the file documentary evidence offered by the claimant.
A divorce decree may be acceptable proof of marriage if:
-
•
it contains sufficient information to determine that the marriage lasted at least
10 years; and
-
•
there is no reason to doubt the decree.
Obtain proof of marriage if doubt is raised.
If the current claim and supporting evidence raise a question as to the validity of
the marriage, and the NH was married to the current claimant when their original claim
was filed, get any archived material. After unarchiving the material, follow the instructions
in RS 00202.065B.