Family tree research

How to start building your family tree

Begin with any physical resources you already have.

For example, your birth certificate will state your parents’ names. It is likely, although not necessarily the case, that your parents were married before you were born. Your parents’ marriage certificate tells you how old your parents were when they married. It will also tell you the names of your parents’ fathers’. If you have this information, it will help you to obtain their birth certificates. If you have your parents’ birth certificates you should now be able to obtain your grandparents’ marriage certificates.

Other or older members of your family may be able to provide a good deal of the information you require. But keep in mind that other peoples’ recollections may be a little hazy.

Please click on the statement most applicable to your enquiry:

• I need a copy of my birth certificate
• I need a copy of my parents / grandparents’ birth certificates
• I need a copy of my parents’ / grandparents’ marriage certificate

I need a copy of my parents / grandparents’ birth certificates

Please click on the statement most applicable to your enquiry:

• I know WHERE and WHEN they were born
• I know WHERE they were born but not WHEN
• I don’t know WHERE but I do know WHEN they were born
• I don’t know WHERE or WHEN they were born

I need a copy of my parents’ / grandparents’ marriage certificate

Please click on the statement most applicable to your enquiry:

• I know WHERE and WHEN they were married
• I don’t know WHERE they were married but I know WHEN
• I know WHERE they were married but not WHEN
• I don’t know WHERE or WHEN they were married