[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 20, Volume 1]
[Revised as of April 1, 2007]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 20CFR219.31]

[Page 252-253]
 
                      TITLE 20--EMPLOYEES' BENEFITS
 
                  CHAPTER II--RAILROAD RETIREMENT BOARD
 
PART 219_EVIDENCE REQUIRED FOR PAYMENT--Table of Contents
 
                   Subpart C_Evidence of Relationship
 
Sec.  219.31  Evidence of a valid ceremonial marriage.

    (a) Preferred evidence. Preferred evidence of a ceremonial marriage 
is--
    (1) A copy of the public record of the marriage, certified by the 
custodian of the record or by a Board employee;
    (2) A copy of a church record of the marriage certified by the 
custodian of the record or by a Board employee; or
    (3) The original certificate of marriage.
    (b) Other evidence of a ceremonial marriage. If preferred evidence 
of a ceremonial marriage cannot be obtained, the

[[Page 253]]

applicant must state the reason therefor in writing and submit either--
    (1) A sworn statement of the clergyman or official who performed the 
marriage ceremony; or
    (2) Other convincing evidence, such as the sworn statements of at 
least two persons who have direct knowledge of the marriage, preferably 
eyewitnesses to the marriage ceremony.

(Approved by the Office of Management and Budget under control number 
3220-0140)