Hi,schmood wrote: ↑Mon Dec 05, 2022 5:48 pm(using different names)
Hey all -
Wondering if anyone might be able to help with this (issue explained below) I spoke with General Register Office who informed me that 'legal adoption was not introduced in Ireland until 1952 and adoption records only start in January 1953'. So there is no adoption record for my Irish born grandmother (even though the adoptive mother is listed as 'informant' on birth certificate and the recorded location is a Parish priest's office).
My grandmother (born in the 1920s) used different names across her whole life. Let's say her birth certificate names her as 'Siobhan Fiona Kerry' — on my Dad's birth certificate her name is 'Fiona Tara Biden' (pre marriage)), however a 'Mary Biden' is listed as 'informant' on 'Siobhan's') birth certificate (no Father is listed). Sorry I know that's confusing!
I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to other documents that might help create the link between 'Siobhan' (my paternal grandmother) 'Fiona' (the same person/also my paternal grandmother — the person on my father's birth certificate) and my Father? As this kind of arrangement was considered quite 'shameful' back in the day, I think that's why there's so little information on it. I think she is called 'Siobhan Fiona Kerry' on my Father's siblings birth certificates...
Thanks so much for your help
schmood wrote: ↑Wed Nov 09, 2022 11:14 amHelp! Adoption issues
Hey all!
Longtime lurker. Just heard back from FBR. Unfortunately it's not good news.
Submitted my application — 19th October 2020
Docs received — 12th December 2020
I applied on the basis of both paternal grandparents who were born in Ireland. Unfortunately both have documentary issues.
My Irish grandma was adopted at birth. My father did not know this until later in life because it was a family secret. If I understand correctly, my grandmother's birth mother had her very young and out of wedlock so they gave the child to the family servants (?). It is then understood that my grandmother's birth mother was sent to the United States, but we know little else. My grandmother's birth certificate gives her a different last name entirely to her last name listed on my Father's birth certificate and, if I remember correctly, her marriage certificate. My grandma's adoptive mother is listed as witness on the birth certificate (same last name as the marriage certificate and my Father's birth certificate, which I had hoped would be enough to link her to my Father). My father has 7 siblings and I have a recollection that one of them might have my Grandma's OG last name on them, but not sure, and don't know if that would even help (?)
My paternal grandfather was also born in Ireland, but he was the youngest of 13 children in a very rural area so I do not think the birth was registered (at least we could not find it anywhere)
FBR is asking for my grandmother’s court adoption order papers and her adoptive birth certificate so that they can link her to my father. I'm very doubtful these exist based on what I've been told, but I'd be grateful if anyone has ..
1) been in a similar position
2) knows how to find court adoption papers + adoptive birth certificate
3) knows how to resolve this?
Thank you in advance for your help! Would be so devastated if this won't work out.
This sounds like quite a complicated situation. My best advice would be to take all the evidence you have to a lawyer who specializes in citizenship cases, and see what they can do for you. Perhaps they can create an affidavit explaining the situation and tying it all together that would be acceptable by the FBR.
You only need one grandparent, so maybe they could advise you of which grandparent would be the easiest to make a case for to the FBR. Either way, I think you need some expert or professional help here. Good luck!
