Grandparent Estrangement
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some advice from anyone who’s been through something similar.
I’m applying for entry to the Foreign Births Register through my Irish-born grandfather. My application has been with the FBR team for around 12 months.
Everything seemed to be progressing until I received an email asking me to provide:
an up-to-date proof of address (no issue), and
a certified copy of my grandfather’s current passport/driving licence (or his death certificate if applicable).
The problem is that I’m estranged from my grandfather and haven’t spoken to or seen him in around 10 years. I actually messaged him before submitting my application asking if he could provide a copy of his passport, but he never replied.
I explained the estrangement in my original application and replied to the case officer explaining that I have no direct contact with him. I also mentioned that my full brother was successfully entered on the FBR in 2014 through the same grandfather before the family estrangement, and gave them his FBR number in case it was of any assistance.
My questions are:
Does my full brother already being on the FBR through the same grandfather make any difference to my application?
Has anyone had the FBR take a sibling’s previous registration into account in a situation like this?
Have the FBR become stricter in recent years when applicants are estranged from a living parent or grandparent and can’t obtain their ID?
Thanks!