Adoption Records

It all depends on the state you were adopted from. Many states have opened up their previously sealed records and all you need to do is contact their Vital Records department and request your original birth certificate. Sadly, if you are like me and surrendered in Florida, it's a long journey to your answer. Here is a list of open record states: http://www.omnitrace.com/states-open-adoption-records/

Adoption.com is a WONDERFUL resource for getting started. They have a huge area of information and support for adult adoptees. The searching process is an emotional journey and it helps so much to be involved with those going through the same things. They have many FAQs about starting your search. You can find them here: http://adoptees.adoption.com/

Of course you can contact your adopting agency or law firm (remember that you must be at least 18 years old to do any of this) and see what their record policy is. If your state is open records, they will more than likely just send you all your information. If not, you're back to square one unless you want to petition the court for your records. Most courts in closed-record states will deny your request unless for medical reasons, in which case you are only given medical information; not contact. Do not stop at your adopting agency if they prove to be a road-block, there are many more options for you.

Good luck on your journey, I hope the road is easy.

Hi L.,

Have you gone to the agency that placed you or the county birth records department? I think that they would be a good place to start. I wish I could help more. I hope you find the info that you are looking for. Take care--

M

You probably have to go to the state records where you were adopted. Also if you know the agency they may be able to help. Otherwise if it were sealed you will need a lawyer to petition the court.

Good luck to you. I hope you get the medical information you need.

When we adopted they agency tried to give us general information about the families and their health issues that might come up in the future. So far none of them have surfaced.

The other S.

PS My son has not shown an interest in trying to find either parent but we would support him he wanted to.

God bless you.

You need to either consult a family law attorney or perhaps start with the agency that placed you. By the way family law attorneys are the same ones that do divorces.

My divorce attorney is a huge advocate for adoption rights here in Missouri. We actually had to reschedule some hearings because he had to go to Jeff City to testify. When we were dealing with my final court date I asked him what would I have to do to find out who my biological parents are. He said for starters Missouri law requires my adopted parents to sign off on the petition. For many reasons I couldn't do that so I let it drop.

Good luck