Genealogy Chat

I was recently told by someone who was helping me find my adopted brother that the court that grants the Adoption Order is held at the adoptive parents local court and generally within 7 or 8 miles of their residence. Theres always exception to the rule of course. In my case after I gained my brothers adoption certificate this was correct. Cheers Gerry

Hi, The court can probably give you some general advice,i'm trying to get hold of mine at the moment,but struggling. The GRO at Smedley Hydro were very polite and helpful,they advised me that the current situation is slightly different to that of last year,in that the adoptee can apply directly to the court without any GRO paperwork now. Previously you needed a document from the GRO to acknowledge the process of record applications had started. However they also told me that many courts are not aware of this at present and try to refuse to release any information. That is the problem i keep having with a court in Lincolnshire,so now i have my SW applying with all thr GRO paperwork attached to the application. Please note however the adoptee only should be making the application,or a SW working on the adoptees behalf. Glen

Hi Sheila There was no re marrying both families stayed as they were!!! Wil ring the courts and see what they say!!! Thanks again Lynda

Hi I was adopted about 1 mile away from BM family but that was a private adoption and this is not normal, siblings that where also adopted where placed between 10 and 30 miles away. If your grandmother re-married if the child was legally given his name then it would have had to be an adoption, I would give the courts a ring tomorrow and see if they can help. Sheila

Hi Alice I have a theory that my mum's adopted dad was really her natural father but as her birth mother was aready married to an army man (so maybe away because of the war!)she could put his name on the birth certificate so it looks right! There was an offical adpotion because it tells me on her certificate that it was at the local court. It just seems weird that she was adopted so close to where the birth parents and grandparents lived and continue to lived until they died. When I say close I mean within 10mins walk! Lynda

a step father could have adopted her,with her mother. do her names change btween birth certs? (if it was in inter parental adoption, i doubt there will be a file)

Thanks Shelia Will try that one! Do you happen to know if it common to be adopted in the same town? Or even if it would be possible to be adopted by a natural father after having another name for father on the birth certificate? Thanks Lynda

Hi The courts should hold a copy of records from when the adotpion was granted, they vary on how much info they hold but at least they may give your mother something. Sheila

Please could I ask for some advice as where to go from here! My mum was adopted in 1946 after being born in 1943. This she discovered at the age of 56!! Mum was not put out at all and all she would like is the facts. Social services gave her the original birth certificate. BUT the social services say that they cannot find the adoption file.HELP where else could the info be???? Would the files be held at the courts as well? Hope for some advice Thanks Lynda