[michael44]

Hi, i am new to the site and I haven't had a chance yet to trawl back though all the old posts, but i'm wondering if anyone could help me

A few years back my dad only found out late in life (his 50s) that he was adopted. He had an idea many years beforehand but he didn't pursue things. Once his mum and dad passed away he decided to start searching. He was able to trace his birth mum and her family quite easily but sadly she had died just 2 years before he made the connection. He wasn't able to find out his father's name though from any records or from her family (there was no name given on the birth certificate). So the search for his birth father and the connected family has hit a brick wall.

Has anyone else here had the same experience and perhaps could offer some suggestions? We have thought about DNA tracing but i'm not sure how effective that actually is.

[Dickons]

DNA testing on the male line will give you the surname you are looking for, but of course if his father was illegitimate then you may still hit a road block. Old UK birth records only list the actual birth details and do not include the parents...seems very strange but that is all they did many years ago, you have to actually get the parish (?) record to find further details.

I would do the test and when you chose a company look for one that deals with adoptees and is willing to cross reference/search for matches.

Kind regards,
Dickons

[michael44]

Thanks for this. I will try the test, nothing to lose. Though i guess it will be a long shot - these sites depend on people volunteering their DNA.

[michael44]

There are a few DNA websites out there. A lot seem to be US based. Does this make a difference for someone wanting to trace around UK or Ireland? Any suggested sites would be much appreciated.