Where's the Daddy?
Question
I'm 16 and live in Edinburgh. I want to trace my father who left when I was a baby. I don't have an address for him and have been told that I need to be 18 before I can start searching - is this true?
Answer
Since you're not adopted and know who your father is you can start to try and trace him as soon as you like. Since you live in Scotland and are over 16, you could have access to your original birth certificate even if you were adopted. In Northern Ireland and England and Wales you have to be over 18 to get access to your birth certificate if you're adopted.
To help with your search you could try:
- The Salvation Army - who run a national and international family tracing service;
- Telephone directories in the area you think he might be in;
- Electoral registers;
- If your father is a doctor, solicitor or works in another profession with a professional body or membership orgabisation then they might have him listed on their website;
- The NHS registrar might be able to send on a letter to your father. You can write to them at: National Health Service Central Register, Smedley Hydro, Trafalgar Road, Birkdale, Southport PR8 2HH;
- Traceline runs a paid-for service helping people re-establish contact with friends and family.
You might also find this article about tracing a family member useful.
Updated: 22/01/2009
Question answered by CAB
