So true! As an American just trying to negotiate info in my own country, it's
very confusing -- even at the county level! And as any good genealogist
knows, what you personally need is never available! :)
Example: Luzerne County PA has marriage records back to 1883 and birth/death
info from 1893-1905. New Jersey State Archives has records from 1848-1878,
then their Bureau of Vital Statistics takes over. Additionally, cost for
records vary significantly -- from $0.44 in some cases in Ohio, to $10 in
Illinois.
Admittedly, my info is limited, but it is frustrating to have different years
and different costs in each state, and different costs for different years
within the same state. Additionally, some states will refund your check if
they can't find the info; some will not.
My suggestion is to post a query on the mail list for costs, and hope someone
can provide information. Good luck to all of us! Sharon