My maternal grandmother's origins

[Joby86]

Which local authority should I contact or would it be GRO? Do I apply for FREDA SMITH born Birmingham 1934andhope that's the one or do I need to do something totally different? Forgive my constant asking but the more info I get, the more my head turns into what is best described as a dog chasing its own tail lol

[PaulineJ]

IF at any point you wish to order a birth or deaths certificate go straight to the GRO

www.GRO.gov.uk

However, you have been advised to apply for the adoption file, which is the way to go.

Pauline

[fayl]

Ive just checked the GRO website and unfortunately there is not the option to order the birth certificate as a PDF which is cheaper.

However I would still order from the GRO which will cost you £11, rather than ordering directly from Birmingham as there is a 12 week waiting time if ordered from Birmingham.

Fay

[Joby86]

Thank you PaulineJ, where do I apply for the adoption file? I know she was adopted in 1936 at a court in the county of Staffordshire as I have a copy of the adoption certificate but the court is no longer there plus I am under the impression that the adoption files are not accessible until 100 years after the adoption but I may be wrong lol

[Rosinish]

Thank you PaulineJ, where do I apply for the adoption file? I know she was adopted in 1936 at a court in the county of Staffordshire as I have a copy of the adoption certificate but the court is no longer there plus I am under the impression that the adoption files are not accessible until 100 years after the adoption but I may be wrong lol

Please see Reply #2, link to all you need for the process for your mother to apply for her birth cert. then from there you can contact your local council (Adoption Services) where you can ask for advice on obtaining the Adoption Files as all Councils are linked up nowadays, providing you live in England/Wales.

Annie

[Joby86]

Thank you Annie

[Rosinish]

This should be useful, may get the ball rolling while you're waiting on your mother's birth cert...

http://www.adoptionsearchreunion.org.uk/search/adoptionrecords/dbsearchnew.htm

Annie

[Joby86]

I've looked at that site and everytime I try and search using the categories offered, I have responses saying there is nothing coming up

[Rosinish]

I've looked at that site and everytime I try and search using the categories offered, I have responses saying there is nothing coming up

If you type in Staffordshire or the name you already have from the adoption cert. as your 'Keyword' this will bring up a list of the places where the court records may be accessed.

An email with all the info. you have to date should get a response of some sort.

You can tell them you're in the process of applying for your mother's original birth cert. (prior to adoption).

Annie