Adoptive line versus biological line
I am sealed to my adoptive father and have worked on his family tree. I also work on my biological father's family tree.
If I could, theoretically, only work on one of the lines, which would it be?
Best Answers
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My daughter has this situation. She was sealed to me and my husband, after my husband legally adopted her. I think the question is a valid one, therefore. There is only so much time and energy that can be used for genealogical research. My daughter, as an adult, chose to reconnect with her biological father, because she wanted answers about certain health related issues. But as a busy wife and mother, she has not chosen to spend much time researching, but rather staying connected with the living relatives.
I think it is admirable that the person asking the question has taken the time and effort to research both of her fathers' lines. I have found great joy in researching my several branches, but I don't do it, just out of curiosity. I am providing many of my kindred dead the opportunity to have temple work completed.
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I'm sure there is a valid question here, I'm just not sure what it is.
If it is a question, that is not theoretical at all, of what should my priorities be in family history research, that is, what is my actual responsibility, the help center article: https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/individuals-for-whom-i-can-request-temple-ordinances gives the guidance:
"You are responsible to submit names of the individuals below:
- Immediate family members (spouse, children, siblings, and parents).
- Direct-line ancestors (parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and so on, and their families)."
That is our responsibility. Beyond that is a personal choice of what we feel we should be doing based on our individual circumstances.
The Help Center does go on to say:
"You can also submit the names of the individuals below:
- Biological, adoptive, and foster family lines connected to your family.
- Collateral family lines (uncles, aunts, cousins, and their families).
- Descendants of your ancestors.
- Your own descendants.
- Possible ancestors, meaning individuals who have a probable family relationship that cannot be verified because the records are inadequate, such as those who have the same last name and resided in the same area as your known ancestors." (Emphasis added).
This implies that these other people are not really our responsibility. My personal view is that a sealed adoptive line would go under the first category above and the biological line under the second category. Others may say both lines go into the first category.
We all have to make our personal choices of where to spend the limited time we have on this earth:
If I, theoretically, have two hours today do I:
- Keeping working on that 12th great-grandfather no one has ever been able to find?
- Add twenty second cousins to Family Tree?
- Answer questions here to help other users?
- Add photos to Family Tree?
- Go to the temple?
- Call my mom?
- Play with my kids?
The only answer I can think of, is to do what the Spirit tells you to.
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I have to say I'm a bit puzzled by your question and not sure how to answer. Since you are completely at liberty to work on both lines as much as you are able, there is no reason to pick between one or the other.
Asking a theoretical question which does not pertain to any actual situation can't result in any reasonable answer. Is there a reason that you would consider limiting yourself? Has someone incorrectly implied that you should only work on one line?
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