[KarenInCa]

My cousin was adopted when she was 3 days old, in 1969. Of course the records were sealed, but recently we got together and she told me a remakable story about finding her b-mother and sealed record information.
She knew a little about the bmom, and started searching the web. When her adad (my uncle) found out, he asked her if she really wanted to find this info. She said yes, so he flew from Utah to San Jose, Ca where she was born, and went to the courthouse unexpectedly. He asked to see the sealed copy of his adaughter's records. Of course the clerk told him no, that they are confidential. He then reasoned with the clerk that HE signed the papers too, so he is entitled to see the papers. He would not leave the courthouse. Eventually, the clerk advised him that a judge would see him in the judges chambers later that day. My uncle said he would wait (already flew from another state anyway). When the judge saw him, after talking about my cousin searching, and stating his side, that he should have access to the records because he signed them too..the judge allowed my uncle access to the records.
The bmom had 4 other children, and being in northern California in the 60s, she bailed from the hospital and abandoned my cousin there. Two days later the court caught up with her and insisted that she sign away all the children. She did.
This gave a lot of closure for my cousin.
When I heard this story from her, all I could think of is that it was amazing my uncle was able to do what he did. I dont know, perhaps that's common....or perhaps he just got an understanding judge mixed with his own persistence.

[erosefitz]

That is wonderful!!! I think it is a great idea! Maybe it will work for me!