Hi,
Just wondering if anyone can give me some information about why (and how) a birth would not be registered?
My mothers deceased mother (my grandmother), who was born in the 1930's in South Australia and apparently did not have a birth certificate. Apparently she was raised by a couple who were not her biological parents, but it was also not a formal adoption.
Her mother (my great grandmother) was apparently very young and her father was a policeman. This is all I have been told since I was a child and I have not succeeded in learning anymore, even after gentle probing.
I am interested to know what circumstances may have surrounded not registering a birth in the 1930's. Was it common practice? Would people really be able to unofficially adopt a child with no formal records being kept?
Where would I start researching my family history if I don't have a birth certficate to go from?
Any help/comments/suggestions would be much appreciated.
Tags: