Seeking Advice or assistance: Direct/Feststellung
I am seeking advice on which documents will be required and the best way to get them. I am open to hiring someone to get documents from Germany, as I have poked around and am confused!
I am looking to obtain German passports for myself and my 2 children. My older sister is also interested in applying. I believe we are eligible for direct-to-passport if we can get the documentation in order, but we might need to do Feststellung.
Lineage:
GRANDFATHER
Born: March 1914 in Breslau/Wrocław
Emigrated to USA: May 1934
married to grandmother Aug 1937
Naturalized: March 1939
Died: 1996
Documentation:
* Ellis Island ship's "manifest" showing his entry and last known domicile in Germany (Hademarschen)
* Naturalization documentation from USCIS ordered but not received
* I have seen a photocopy of my grandparent's marriage certificate but need to get a certified copy
* I have no other documentation for him. My aunt says it was thrown away :(
* I do have a family bible and photos, which I've heard can help with direct-to-passport even if not official documentation?
FATHER
Born in wedlock: Feb 1938
Married: June 1962
Died: Feb 2023
Documentation: need to get birth and marriage certificates
SELF (female):
Born in wedlock Nov 1968
Married: Oct 2005
Documentation: Have birth and marriage certificates
CHILDREN
Born in wedlock Feb 2007 and Nov 2009
Documentation: Have birth certificates
QUESTIONS:
* What are the chances of getting a birth certificate from 1914 Breslau? If this can't get obtained, what about a Melderegister from 1934?
* Has anyone had experience attempting direct-to-passport at the San Francisco consulate? I'm curious about experiences and what sort of documentation helped.
* From what I've read here, the oldest applicant (my sister) should apply first, and the rest reference her application so documentation only needs to be submitted once. Or we all apply together with her application being primary?
* We may be moving next year. If we move from the SF Consulate jurisdiction, how does that effect the application (assuming we are in the Feststellung process at that point). Might it be better to wait to apply after the move?
* What have I not thought of??
Thank you for any information and assistance! I've been lurking here for a while and this sub is very supportive.