[Nicole28]

I sent a letter to the family court in my county and received a freakishly timely response - perhaps because what I was sent read strangely like a generic letter of reply? Hmm...

Anyway, the "Adoption Commissioner" [what the heck is that?] clarified that this was the court that I would petition in the event that I move forward with the process, and that I do not need an attorney but it is wise to seek the help of a professional who has experience with this kind of legal process prior to petitioning the court so that I make sure I have a justifiable "good cause" that would stand a chance in court. Or, that if I can provide a medical reason, that I have signed & notarized paperwork from my doctor. No response to my question of "how often are records successfully unsealed in this county?" I think she answered my question by not answering my question, if you get my drift.

I also sent out updated contact information today to the NYS registry and to the agency that placed me. That included a new mailing address - I am having all related correspondence sent to my boyfriend's house, since I am not at a point where I am sharing my search with my family - and other information, like my physical description, [eerily matches right up with my bio-mother's physical description] where I went to high school, where I went to college, my degree, where I'll be working now, [minus the name of my company] and a few other items. I just figured - why not? I also requested that the NYS Health Dept. keep my case open. And I asked for letters confirming that both places received my info. & that they placed it in my respective files.

I need to find some legal assistance and have the documents necessary to petition the court better explained to me - - like who I "serve" these docs to, if anyone, and what needs to go where, etc.

I have found, though, that, in general, the institutions that I've been in contact with [family court included] have been very helpful - which is encouraging!