[errica]

Anyone have any luck doing this in California? If so, how do you go about it? Ideas of where to start, what reasons usually work, etc...

Thanks!

[ParisC]

http://home.texoma.net/~wfbonner/

[thesearchguru]

Originally posted by errica
how do you go about it? Ideas of where to start, what reasons usually work, etc...

Thanks!

When petitioning the Superior Court for your sealed adoption file be sure that you have done the following:

contact the county courthouse where the adoption was finalized

Check this website for Superior Court locations:
http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/courts/trial/


request a copy of their petition form for their county.

fill out the form giving all information requested

attach a cover letter to the court giving your reasons for requesting that your file be opened and include your contact information; name, address, phone number and email address

if you are petitioning for medical reasons attach a copy of a letter from your Dr. stating your medical issues

if you are petitioning under the ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act) because you have American Indian heritage be sure and include a copy of your non-identifying information that states the ethnicity of your birth parents

attach a copy of your driver's license

have your signature on the petition form notarized before signing and mailing

keep a copy of everything for your own records

you might want to mail the petition request registered mail so that you will know that your request has been received




California Search Website:


Other great websites to check out:
http://www.adoptionchat.com
http://www.adoptionlists.com
http://www.adoption.com
http://www.adopting.org
http://registry.adoption.com

[preciouskygirl]

I recently spoke to a California State representaive about the odds of getting an adoption record open thru a court order. I was told (in Feb 2006) that the chances are VERY high right now because of the attitudes of the current presiding judges that feel the right to know out weighs the right to privacy. We are considering doing this ourselves, good luck all who choose to try.

[ceacea]

How did it work for you? if you did how did you do it?? Thanks