[nilesgirl]

Originally Posted by bothsides

Well, it looks as if I will not be able to get any non-id info from either Iowa or Illinois. Being born in Iowa but adopted in Illinois is the problem. I contacted the Rock Island County courthouse in Illinois where my adoption was finalized and they said I needed to either request my records be unsealed through them or contact the state for non-id info. I talked to the state and they said they cannot help because all adoption records are sent back to the state of birth. I received forms from Iowa and they all assume your adoption was finalized in Iowa and want to know what county in Iowa your adoption was finalized in. Frustrating... I really hope I hear back from the lawyer or my mom's old friend with some more info. If not, I think it is going to be a lot of work to move forward. Any other suggestions?

Ok, what I don't understand is why someone at the state can't tell you where EXACTLY your records were sent to in Iowa. In the state I was adopted in...in the court where my adoption was finalized...they have someone called the "Adoption Specialist" employed to handle adoption related matters including searching for records. I would see if someone with a similar "title" exists in the court you contacted in Ill. and ask who EXACTLY you need to speak with at the state that can tell you EXACTLY where your records were sent in Iowa. This situation DOES sound a bit frustrating . Don't let the people you contact at the courts or state intimidate you...I swear those people are trained to do that to searching adoptees to intimidate us not to pursue the search. Be courteous but, assertive and forthright. Not all court employees are well versed in how to direct adoptees. You could get a duck or and eagle...if you feel you're speaking to a duck...ask for an eagle. Sometimes you need to ask to speak to their supervisor to get an educated answer to your question. I'm going to PM you some sites that may help you with the letter to petition the court. Let us all know how things are progressing