Birth/Adoption certificate

[Nathan&Emily 10]

Quick question. When I was 11 my stepdad adopted me along with my mum. I have my adoption certificate showing both parents names and the dates and all my details and I was always told this replaced my birth certificate. I have no idea who my real "dad" was so am unable to even apply for my original birth certificate. Is the adoption certificate actually all I need and a replacement for my birth certificate as I believe?

Thanks

[Hypnos 6,576]

No, usually they are two separate documents.

I adopted my stepson in Texas, and received a certified court order showing I adopted him, that also serves as proof of a legal name change. I also applied to have his birth certificate re-issued with my name now documented as his father, and received this a couple of weeks later.

If it happened in the UK though, maybe it works differently there, but I find it difficult to believe that an adoption order "becomes" a birth certificate.

Edited April 17, 2016 by Hypnos

[Nathan&Emily 10]

No, usually they are two separate documents.

I adopted my stepson in Texas, and received a certified court order showing I adopted him, that also serves as proof of a legal name change. I also applied to have his birth certificate re-issued with my name now documented as his father, and received this a couple of weeks later.

If it happened in the UK though, maybe it works differently there, but I find it difficult to believe that an adoption order "becomes" a birth certificate.

I was under the impression the adoption cert replaces the birth certificate. its like being issued a new one with the new parents names on. The info I've found on the website last night says it replaces your birth certificate "for all official and administrative purposes" so I'm thinking that its all I need. Makes sense as adopted children may not know who their birth parents are to even apply for the original.

[Hank_ 9,174]

Wouldn't this vary by state?

Edited April 18, 2016 by Hank_

[Nathan&Emily 10]

Wouldn't this vary by state?

I'm in the UK. We don't have states. All counties follow the same laws

[Hank_ 9,174]

I'm in the UK. We don't have states. All counties follow the same laws

Therein is the answer to your own question, follow the laws of your country, if the law in the UK states the adoption certificate replaces the birth certificate -

[Nathan&Emily 10]

Therein is the answer to your own question, follow the laws of your country, if the law in the UK states the adoption certificate replaces the birth certificate -

Well it doesn't really answer the question when I can't find a definitive answer. And then there's the fact that a lot of the visa process follows the american laws and requirements. I think I know the answer but I was looking for confirmation from anyone who had been through the process and had been adopted.

Thanks for the help though. I'll wait and see if anyone else can confirm with a little more politeness.

[Hank_ 9,174]

You will have to look at the law in the UK for your answer, it is not an American law issue. Embassies are aware of how each country processes these things.

[Nathan&Emily 10]

You will have to look at the law in the UK for your answer, it is not an American law issue. Embassies are aware of how each country processes these things.

Which was what I was hoping someone could confirm to put my mind at ease

[Illiria 980]

I've requested your question be moved to the uk subforum so that you can get country specific answers to this.

[Ontarkie 14,143]

~~Moved to the Regional forum, from K1 P&P- as the question is about Country specific documents.~~

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

The General Register Office indicates if you are 18 yrs old, you can order your original birth certificate. It also indicates an adoption certificate is the equivalent of a birth certificate. https://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/faqs-adoption.asp#a1

This page http://www.vitalcertificates.co.uk/questions.html says

Adoption Certificates

I am adopted. Do I need a birth certificate or adoption certificate?

This depends on the reason for requiring the certificate. If you need the certificate to prove identity, then you should request an Adoption Certificate, which replaces a Birth Certificate for adopted persons. If you are looking for information to do with your natural birth, this can be found on your original birth certificate. Please note however that we would need the details of your original birth name before we were able to supply a copy of your original certificate.

My opinion:

I believe your adoption certificate is what you want for the interview. Your adopted Dad is legally your Dad and would be listed on any immigration forms asking parent names. Your adoption certificate is what shows him as your Dad.

[gavw72 23]

I had the same dilemma a few months back. You're right that the adoption certificate replaces the birth certificate.... I did have a last minute panic & ordered an original pre-adoption birth certificate before my interview. I handed it in along with my adoption certificate. CO asked who it was on the birth certificate so I explained I was adopted.... no problems. If I hadn't taken it I don't know if it would've been asked for?

You can order your original BC with just a mothers name from the GRO website.

[SparkyCaliluv 25]

Hi, I thought this might be helpful. My other half was also adopted by his stepfather and we had similar questions about his birth certificate. This is the email response he received today from the General Register Office:

"Thank you for your email.

It may be helpful to explain that when an adoption order is made under the provisions of the Adoptions Acts of England and Wales an entry is made in the Adopted Children Register and the corresponding entry in the Birth Register is then annotated "Adopted". The original birth entry once annotated adopted will be unacceptable for official purposes and legal matters relating to that name.

An adoption certificate is then issued in the new name. This certificate replaces the birth certificate for the adopted person and should be used whenever evidence of age or identity is required."