[PrInCeSsInNY23]

Hello. Does anyone know the policy for opening adoption records and other laws for the state of New York? Please let me know any information you may have. Thank you! Jen

[mama_lh]

Hello, I just called the state yesterday and asked this question. You need to go through the supreme court to have your origional birth certificate unsealed. I believe you can also petition the county court that your adoption was held in. I can say that it is something that is not easy to do however, one case has been opened in the past 6mts or so. The state claims that you need a serious medical condition to do so. Good luck with your searches.

[richland91]

I filed a petition through an attorney 18 months ago. The clerk cannot find my records. So, who knows what will happen now.

Our best bet is to support organizations trying to change the laws.

[Nicole28]

Do you have your non-identifying information? If not, you can request this [as long as you are 18] from a] the NYS Adoption Reunion Registry, b] the hospital where you were born, and c] the agency - if any - that placed you for adoption.

mama_lh is correct; it is nearly impossible - not the mention EXPENSIVE & TIME CONSUMING - to unseal records or OBC's in NYS. You'll need a lawyer, plenty of money, and a "qualifying cause," i.e. a medical emergency.

It may be helpful to find a "search angel" here on the forums who may be able to help you gather more information and find biological family.

Send me a PM if you have questions.

[Moonwolves88]

where in up state ny? my older sister was given up for adoption in Rochester November 22 1984

[richland91]

NY laws are very restrictive. The first avenue for petitioning the Court to open a file is for very good medical reasons. There is another option which is not well defined.. a bit of "for just cause," but it is virtually never accepted by the Courts. This is why aopted in NY need to push for legislative action.