[valerie13ann]

I am 22 years old and It hasn't really hit me until recently that I really want to find my birth mother.

I'm having a hard time figuring out who I am because I have no idea where I come from. I feel like it's affecting everything I do. I love my adoptive parents more than anything in this world and I wouldn't change anything for the world. It's just hard not having any idea where I come from, who I look like, who I take after etc etc. It's really having a huge impact on my identity.

Don't get me wrong. I have had the best life anyone could ask for. I had the happiest childhood, and my adoptive parents are the best. I just have this urge at my age to find out about everything. And I also heard this is not uncommon at my age

Problem is, I have no idea where to start. I was adopted when I was 2 days old. My records are sealed and I have no idea about anything about my birth mother. All I know is that she was 19 when she had me, and I know the city I was born in. I also know my birth father left her when she found out she was pregnant with me. This is the reason she gave me up for adoption. To give me a better life and family. She wanted the best for me and I already love her for doing that. I could never thank her enough.

If anyone has any information on how I would get started on my search, please let me know! Its greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for your help and support. I am so happy I found this site!

[txrnr]

You're feelings are quite normal! We adoptees have a dual life in sense. One can be great, but it doesn't negate our other, and the need to know about it.

I started by requesting my non-id info from the state AND from the agency I was adopted from. I was lucky, and the information I needed was left in one of the documents from my agency.

Your parents may have some valuable information as well, not realizing what they have. As you begin to put the pieces together, something they have may help.

Good luck!

[bakerjw]

First step. If the adoption was in Pennsylvania is to go here and get on the state registry.
Health: Adoption Registry Information

Most states require this before releasing any non identifying information. As txrnr stated be sure to get your non identifying information from the state as well as the agency if you know who they are. When requesting it be sure to be emphatic that you want everything that is non identifying. They'll probably type up a letter with the information but be sure to ask anyway.

Then there are the registries that you can use.
Adoption Registry - Records, Reunion Registries, Adoptees, Search, Reunite, Birth Mother, Father, Pa
ISRR - International Soundex Reunion Registry
http://www.gsadoptionregistry.com/
Adoption Registry Connect

and many more. Those should keep you busy for a wile.

Your adoptive parents might be able to help as well. Hopefully they are willing but be prepared if they aren't. There are some things in the world that you can't understand without experiencing. Being an adoptee is one of those.

Hope this is a good start.

[Drywall]

If you know where you were adopted, you can contact the clerk of the court where the adoption was finalized. The clerk or a court administrative assistant will share what the requirements are to get the information you seek. The clerk will not give legal advice, but if you decide to petition the court, the clerk will make you aware of what those requirements are.

If the records are sealed, the clerk will give you that info in advance so that you know you can get only non-identifying info.

Most states have a criteria by which non-identifying info can be obtained. Some states have a form that is required to gain court information, other states prefer that there is direct contact with the judge. Each state has it's own rules for obtaining information from court records. You don't need an attorney to talk to a clerk of the court.

I wish you the best.

[ianlexi]

what city were you born in???