What Happens To Original Birth Certificate After Adoption?
Introduction
When an adoption takes place in the UK, the original birth certificate of the child is no longer considered a legal document, and it is replaced by an adoption certificate. This is a legal document that confirms the adoption has taken place and lists the names of the adoptive parents. The original birth certificate is then sealed and kept in a secure location, and only certain people can access it.
The process of adoption in the UK is governed by the Adoption and Children Act 2002. This act sets out the legal requirements for adoption and outlines how the adoption process works. When a child is adopted, the adoptive parents become the legal parents, and the birth parents lose all their legal rights and responsibilities.
One of the most significant changes that occur when a child is adopted is that their original birth certificate is replaced by an adoption certificate. This is a legal document that confirms the adoption has taken place and lists the names of the adoptive parents. The adoption certificate becomes the child's new birth certificate, and it is the only legal document that shows who their parents are.
The original birth certificate is no longer considered a legal document, and it is kept in a secure location by the General Register Office (GRO). The GRO is responsible for maintaining all birth, marriage, and death records in the UK, and they are the only ones who can access the sealed birth certificate.
In most cases, the only people who can access the original birth certificate are the adopted person themselves, their birth parents, and their adoptive parents. However, there are some circumstances where other people may be able to access the birth certificate, such as if there is a court order or if the GRO believes it is in the best interests of the adopted person.
For the adopted person, accessing their original birth certificate can be an important part of their identity journey. It can help them understand their biological roots and give them a sense of belonging. However, it is important to note that not all adopted people will want to access their birth certificate, and it is a personal choice.
The process of accessing the original birth certificate can be complex, and it may require the assistance of a professional, such as a social worker or adoption agency. Adopted people will need to apply to the GRO for access to their birth certificate, and they may need to provide evidence of their identity and relationship to their birth parents.
In conclusion, when a child is adopted in the UK, their original birth certificate is replaced by an adoption certificate, and the original birth certificate is sealed and kept in a secure location by the GRO. Only certain people can access the birth certificate, and the process of accessing it can be complex. However, for some adopted people, accessing their birth certificate can be an important part of their identity journey, and it can help them understand their biological roots.