[19seventy6]

Shade,

I don't know if you mentioned it, but you can get non-ID info usually without too much trouble from the agency that handled your husbands adoption. Mine had some general info about health history and any health problems that were in my recent family tree. Worth a shot at least.

I was also made aware that my original b-certificate would be made open next year, so I may just wait and do a search with that. The agency's search service was pretty expensive ($400) so I couldn't really do that.

Thanks for everyone's input, it definitely seems like an unfair practice to keep these records shut no matter what.

[srchin']

That is cool! You just wrote and she responded. I'm going to have to get started. This is wonderful news that they are really willing to listen and possibly do something about it. Thank you, I really believed that writing officials would be a waste of time. Now I'm going to quit sabatoging myself and get to writing.

Thank you for the motivation I needed to help get something done!


19seventy6,
How is your OBC getting open to you next year?? What are the laws in your state reguarding that?? If your state has laws opening stuff like that, well lets just say it would be more convincing for other states to follow suit if it works successfully in another state.

srchin'

[melissande]

I had to motion the court to open the case file... you can do this through the circut court.... I'm in florida (one of the most locked down states regarding adoption) but i recieved a response in about 2 weeks. They were unable to open the file (all members of the adoption bparents and adult adoptee have to sign a waver saying "okay let them see it", my bparents hadn't) but i recieved all the documents regarding my actual birth, ect. Though my bparents names,etc were blotted out, i learned all kinds of interesting things. Generally the people at your court records building or circut court house know all about the paperwork that has to be filled out and costs and all that. patience is the key~

[19seventy6]

Originally posted by srchin'

19seventy6,
How is your OBC getting open to you next year?? What are the laws in your state reguarding that?? If your state has laws opening stuff like that, well lets just say it would be more convincing for other states to follow suit if it works successfully in another state.

srchin'

Srchin,

I'm not sure why my birth certificate is being released next year, maybe someone else could answer? All I know is that is the way it was set up for some reason. But I'm in NH; I'm not sure where you are, srchin. Good luck to you.

[shadeinfla]

If you live in NH , the laws were revised most likely because people like you and me in NH took the time to write their legislators about how archaic sealed records are , it was brought to attention of the law makers by someone or groups of people, or a combination of factors were present, maybe a member of the NH Senate or House was adopted and understood the issue presents and sponsor a bill for revisions to the law.I do know the law in NH changes Jan 1,2005, they become the fitth state in the USA to have open records.. isn't time the other 45 states of our
"united" states did the same?

[srchin']

shadeinfla,
You are so right it is time for the other 45 states to change their ways. So NH has good laws around adoption.....hum...I wonder if I looked up ya'lls law and made copies and sent it to the people in TX (where I was adopted) and in LA (where I live) if that would give them a better since of what we as adoptees want???? It's worth a shot. I really think it's unfair that our records are being kept from us.

Texas is a tough state to get anything from too. From what I was told unless the laws surronding these sealed records are changed I don't stand a chance of every knowing my true identity.

Thanks you guys...ya'll have given me some new ideas.

srchin'

[shadeinfla]

yes the other 45 states should change their laws but they will not UNLESS the people who pay their salary ( you and I the tax payers) voice our opinions and tell them all we think the adoption laws need major revisions. Truly this should be a Federal issue ,however that is not how the government views it, so this means writing your state reps and senators not your US house members and senators.

[srchin']

I started a petition yesterday. Maybe that will help some. It's worth a shot and I guess it has to start somewhere...

srchin'

[shadeinfla]

Yes exactly anytime there is change of any kind it must start somewhere..........you go..............hopefully others will follow suit...

Shade

[blankenb4]

Can you tell me what the five states are that have open records?

Thanks,

Barbara

[shadeinfla]

It is my understand the following states have open records, Kansas, Alaska , Tennessee, and Hawaii, with New Hamsphire to become the fifth on Jan 1,2005. There has been movement in Oregon as well , but it is in an appeals position i think. For some reason I think I remember reading some where that Alabama was also open or working on it. Really I think this a civil rights issue, and a constitutional issue making it a Federal issue however the federal government views it has a state by state issue.Kinda odd that if my husband had been adopted in Tennessee he would have known years ago who his bparents are and what their genetic medical history is......
Shade

http://encyclopedia.adoption.com/ent...rds/261/1.html

[shadeinfla]

http://encyclopedia.adoption.com/ent...rds/261/1.html

[srchin']

Kansas, Alaska, Oregon, Alabama, and New Hmpshire....also Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

[srchin']

Hey if you look up www.bastards.org you will find a whole lot of information.

srchin'

[samee]

If you were born in Dallas County I have the procedure to petition the court to unseal your adoption records. My were unsealed in September. It is only Dallas County