Hi Robyn, I am no expert but have had a little luck myself in requesting birth certificates. First locate the Rathaus (town hall) that supports your members birthtown. Then write to the Standesamt of that Rathaus and simply request the documentation you want. You may have to later pay for it (eg approx 9 Euro for one that I got from Leipzig, 6 Euro for one from another location). You should provide photocopies with your written request substantiating your own identification. In replying to your request, you may likely get a "modern" birth notice ie an official transcript from the Rathaus giving the essential birth details then stamped and certified. To get a photocopy of the original birth certificate may take another follow up letter or clearer instructions in your original request as to what you want. I recieved the former (a modern version) when writing but when I had the good fortune to visit Leipzig myself, I had no problems getting a photocopy of the original. The birth certificates I have got to date have been very early 1900's. I think earlier birth records may become a little problematic as church authorities were involved in these. Marriage records are also held by the Standesamt of the relevant Rathaus. Hope this helps a little. Luke Ronlund _________________________________________________________________ Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com