QUESTION One: I have discovered recently that I was adopted. My adoptive parents have now died and I would like to trace my real parents. I know only that I was adopted through a court in England in 1980.

Answer: The law allows you to gain access to your birth details. These details will enable you to purchase a certified copy of your original birth entry. This will tell you the names of your birth parents.

You are able to choose whether you would like to see an approved adoption advisor or have the information sent directly to you.

However, I recommend you see an adoption advisor as he will be able to offer practical advice and guidance as well as discussing any concerns or issues important to you.

This can be an advisor at your local social services, general register office in Southport, at a registered agency or, under certain circumstances, at the agency that handled your adoption.

Application forms and further information can be found at www.gro.grov.uk.

Alternatively, forms and booklets are available from GRO Adoptions, Smedley Hydro, Trafalgar Road, Southport, Merseyside PR8 2HH.

You can also contact them by the telephone 0151 471 4830 and by e-mail adoptions@ons.gov.uk Question Two: Last month I bought a computer on e-bay. Unfortunately, it has not come yet. I am concerned what I should do.

Answer: If the seller fails to send the goods, you should first try to contact him. If you are unable to contact the seller or do not receive a satisfactory response, you should contact the internet auction site.

You have to be aware that you may have been the victim of fraud on the part of the seller.

If you paid by Paypal then you also have the protection but there are strict time limits for making a claim.

Question Three: I would like to know what the notice of marriage is and who can give it for me. Is this needed before my marriage?

Answer: You and your partner must give separate notices of your intention to marry in person at the Registration Office in the district in which you live, even if you both live in the same district and you do not wish to marry in that district.

A separate fee is payable for each notice.

The superintendent registrar will then issue your authority for the marriage.

You may then marry in any registrar office or local authority approved premises in any district.

In the period between the notice of intention to marry and the ceremony, anyone with strong grounds for objecting to the marriage can do so.

To get married in England you and your partner must be resident in this country for 7 days before notice is given (on the eighth day). A copy of the notice is displayed on notice boards within the registration office where it was given.

Provided there are no legal objections the authority that allows the marriage to take place is then issued after 15 clear days.

The marriage must take place within twelve months from the date of the entry of the notice (3 months if the person is housebound or detained, or one of the parties is resident in Scotland or Northern Island).

If the marriage does not take place within that time, the process must be repeated.

Information is kindly supplied by Wyre Forest Citizens Advice Bureau.