Genealogy Chat

... exactly what date, if any, does that kick in? I read all the threads about it, visited all the websites etc etc and I'm kicking myself for not remembering something as vital as a date. What kind of genealogist am I?!

Kathryn, Deadline was yesterday (23rd). Andy.

You're kidding. Oh, heck, drat and a load of other 4-letter words. I have been waiting and waiting for my dad to email me the GRO Reference for a marriage certificate. Only, he just can't be bothered, not even to tell me the date so I can re-look for it on 1837online. Marvellous. So what will be on this marriage certificate now? Just the most basic of basic information?

Was 23rd Just the date people had to register their opinions. I hope it wasn't the date it came into effect...

I hope you're right Diane. It seems a bit quick for it to come into force, but I really would not put it past the government to spoil things for me!

It's OK, you're quite safe as far as ordering certificates is concerned. That deadline was just for registering your opinions on the Government's proposals. I don't think a date has been given for starting the phasing out of certificates and/or concealing of now-deemed privileged information, other than probably sometime next year. I expect there'll be an update on the Society of Genealogists website soon as well as the Federation of Family History Societies' website. Andy.

Oh, thank you! I would either have died or cried if the Act had already come into force. I just can't wait 25 years to find out who my great-grandparents on that branch were.