Why Would A Surviving Spouse Be “not Eligible” For A Death Certificate In Texas? Need Advice.

Location: Dallas, Texas

Requester: My spouse is the one requesting the record. He’s trying to obtain a certified copy of his late spouse’s Texas death certificate. I’m just helping draft this.

Facts:

• He was married to the decedent at the time of her death.
• We first learned of the death via Social Security (benefits ceased) and later obtained a Texas death verification letter confirming the death.
• Texas Vital Records says they located the record but won’t release the certificate to him because he’s “not eligible.”
• We suspect the death record may not list him as the surviving spouse (there was long-standing estrangement with the decedent’s adult child). Attempts to contact that adult child have gone unanswered.
• We need the certificate for other legal processes that require proof that his remarriage (to me) occurred after his prior spouse’s death.

Questions:

1. If the surviving spouse isn’t shown on the record, is there an administrative way to correct/amend the death record so he qualifies, or is a court order the only route?
2. If court is required, which Texas court typically handles this (probate/county/district), and what does “tangible interest” usually require?
3. What kinds of documents are commonly accepted to establish eligibility or support a correction (marriage certificate to the decedent, death verification letter, SSA notice, etc.)?
4. Any Texas statutes/regulations or official guidance we should review before proceeding?

Not seeking referrals—just trying to understand the proper process and next steps. Thanks for any guidance.