Birth Certificate: Adopted

[carol8353]

Just over 30 years ago my doctor adopted a child as they were told they couldn't have one of their own.As soon as they adopted him,his wife became pregnant.He always explained it as once the pressure was off trying for a baby the body relaxes and it became possible.

Carol

[Just Kia]

The original birth registration will be in the GRO index with the original birth parent(s) name(s) on it.
That cert can be applied for by anyone - indeed anyone could order any random cert from the index.
That cert may say "adopted" in the far right column but no other details regarding the adoption.

The adoption cert can be applied for via the GRO if you know the birth forenames and the adopted surname - if you don't know those you need to contact the relevant authorities and that's where the counselling probably comes in.

My grandfather knew he was adopted and knew his birth names (his adopted parents changed his forenames also). So, I had all the info I needed to get his adoption cert.
At first I wasn't able to get his sisters cert as I didn't know her adopted surname. I had a copy of her original birth entry but without the surname she was adopted into I could not get the adoption cert.
I believe she knew she was adopted as a descendant had put their research online using her birth name. From her marriage (searched by husband's name) I found her adopted surname and then was able to get the adoption cert.

But without the birth forenames and adopted surname it was a complete no go.
The birth cert does not give a clue about the adopted surname or parents.
The adoption cert does not give a clue about the birth surname or parents.

[ambers]

Ambers

Are you saying that you traced the adopted person's birth from the GRO index, and that the mother's maiden name and probable place of birth was already known to you?  In that case you or anyone else who had that information could have ordered the birth certificate through the GRO. 
Gillg

Hi Gillig,

No, it's not the same thing.
I added it as another point of view following on from my previous posts after receiving the certificate. My original post was only about wording on certificates and not about children tracing their birth parents.

That's what I was referring to, anyone could  order a certificate to find a person had been adopted. This child was one of five children, the others were unaware he had been adopted by their mothers next husband. His surviving sibling is still unaware of the adoption, although I am not sure her grandchild will tell her as she is very old.

Ambers

[Astaroth]

I was born in 1978 and was "adopted from birth" (as in left the hospital with my adoptive parents and never with my biological mother). The legal process of the adoption was completed about 9 months later.

To cut a long story short, I have recently become more interested in my adoption, especially with the "myth" about it that came from my grandmother.

Anyway, I have always had a copy of my adoption certificate but just recently received a copy of my original birth certificate. On the certificate it is filled in as you would expect, signed by the registrar and directly under box 17 it has written "Adopted, Registrars name, Registrar" - it is the same handwriting and name as signed above and is certainly not in any margin.

I have no idea when it was added but the practice doesnt seem to be that historic as it happened on mine in the late 70s

[Topham26]

Hi Lizzie,

Oh how I can understand and share your daughters comments.  I used to think that because my adopted sisters and brother were so much older than me, that was why I felt in some strange way distanced with a sense of longing and searching but not knowing what I longed for or what I was searching for.   Like your daughter I had a happy and fulfilled childhood, but meeting my birth family was quite daunting, not at all like you see on Cilla Blacks show.  I'm still building my bridges and climbling my mountains, maybe one day I will get there!!  In the mean time I count myself very very privileged, I have a wonderful family with happy smiling grandchildren and greatgrandchildren and doubt very much if I would be the person I am today if things had been different all those years ago.

Ann

[LizzieW]

Hi Ann

I've sent you a PM, rather than take over this thread.

Lizzie