Thread: Adopted or not ?

HI,

Does anyone know how to find out if a small child's name had been changed by adoption by the mother's new husband or by Deed Poll. The child was about 5 years old in the 1970s.



Ken.

The person concerned can apply for their adoption certificate (if it exists). I assume the approximate date is known. This does not give the birth name but in this case it probably does not matter.

go to www.gro.uk for details of how to apply.

If it doesn't exist the name was probably changed by the family just using the new name without any formal steps.

Gillian

[quote name='zilkens']HI,

Does anyone know how to find out if a small child's name had been changed by adoption by the mother's new husband or by Deed Poll. The child was about 5 years old in the 1970s.



Ken.[/quote]



Have you searched birth records or requested a certificate as family researchers may be able to help?

Hi,

The child in question is actually my son, so I have his birth certificate sent for last year and his marriage certificate ordered at the same time.

We only made contact with each other 15 months ago after a gap of 30 odd years.

He has no recollection of any change in name.

Ken.

[quote name='zilkens']HI,

Does anyone know how to find out if a small child's name had been changed by adoption by the mother's new husband or by Deed Poll. The child was about 5 years old in the 1970s.



Ken.[/quote]



If the mother re-married then either the child could just use the surname of the new husband or both the mother and the new husband would have to adopt the child. Rediculous I know but its just the way it is.

If the child was adopted then a new certificate would be issued and this would be in the Adopted Childrens Register for England and Wales.

If you know the approx year then you would have to look at all entries for that year and so long as you know the new surname then it would be quite easy.

If you dont know the surname then look for a marriage to see if the mother has remarried.