People who lost their marriage certificates in the May 12 earthquake can now register for new ones.

Applicants can publish a public statement in the local media or show local marriage registration offices proof of their marriage status, the Ministry of Civil Affairs said on Thursday on its official website.

The authorities will reissue certificates to the applicants within three days if there is no dispute or after a 15-day public announcement in the residential communities of the parties.

The loss of marriage certificates has affected the lives of many people. They need to provide information on their marriage status when involved in legal matters such as right of inheritance, divorce or remarriage.

If one partner of the marriage has died and the certificate lost, he or she needs to apply for a new certificate to protect their legal rights.

If both are dead, their relatives - children, parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters, have the right to apply for the couple's marriage certificate.

This will ensure the legal protection of the relatives in cases involving the right of inheritance.

The applicants must give details of their identity cards, residential certificates, and show proof of their marital relationship - the latter can be provided by local neighborhood committees or relatives of the couple.

Death certificates issued by public security organs, medical and health institutions or people's courts will be regarded as valid.

(China Daily August 29, 2008)