[jdmorris]

I am 40 years old and I am searching for any information on my birth parents. I was adopted as an infant by loving parents and I've known I was adopted since I was old enough to understand what it meant. Now that I'm older and realize that my only known blood relatives are my son & daughter. I long for the knowlege of who my biological family is. Do I have siblings? What does my birth mother look like? I know physical identifying info only. Hair and eye color, age, height, etc. My birth certificate excluded the doctor's name and hospital. The agency I was adpoted from (Episcopal Community Services, New Orleans, La) claims that all records were lost in a fire. I have registered with the state bureau but nothing since I've been 18. Does anyone have advice or info that would be useful?!?!?

Thank you truly.

[bakerjw]

I was able to get my non identifying information from the State of Illinois as well as from my adoption agency. They were both pretty much the same information but 2 sources giving the same info lends more validity to the information. You may check with the state.

Make sure that you know what the laws are in Louisiana and that you haven't overlooked something that may have been passed in the last few years. Some states have relaxed restrictions on original birth certificates.

Although it is not a preferred route to go sometimes, some states offer confidential mediator services. It is another thing to look at doing.

And of course register with all of the registries that you can find.

Hope that helps a bit.
Best wishes.

[jdmorris]

Thanks for the help. I've been registered with the state since the age of 18 but maybe getting an original BC would be a good start.

[bakerjw]

An OBC is seen as the holy grail of the search process. It is amazing what you can do with even your last name at birth.

Best wishes and ask away.

[Drywall]

JDMorris...read your post re: loss of records through fire...the agency records may be lost, but if you were adopted there maybe court records that are still available.

You might try to contact the court where the finalization of the adoption took place to check the status of those court records.

Those records will have adoption information of the court proceedings and they may also also be able to provide some of the other info you are seeking.

The clerk of the court, or a court administrative assistant will be able to share information in regards to how that info can be obtained.

I wish you the best.

[txrnr]

Maybe, under the circumstances, the court would be willing to give you the non-id in your file (if not the identifying info). Since you would have been entitled to those if there hadn't been a fire, you may find a sympathetic judge/clerk.

My non-id (from the agency) had a ton of info in it that helped me id my bfamily within minutes. I was fortunate that a social worker left her name in on a page and the other info regarding her siblings ages and professions, as well as her parents made it a snap to find them.

I would be as sweet and as non-threatening to the clerk/judge as could be. Even if they can't legally give you the info, they can always slip, and miss a spot. I'm convinced to this day that this is what happened in my case.

Good luck!

[jdmorris]

I recently called Vital Records for the State of Louisiana. What a joy! Nothing quite like talking to someone who cant' even answer the phone in a polite manner. I asked about a copy of my original birth cert., "Those records are sealed. I advise you get an attorney." I'll try the clerk of court and see if I have better luck there. Thanks for the continued support!!!

[Drywall]

jdmorris...there is no reason for you to be treated in a rude manner...you are only asking for information. Most sealed records states have a means for adoptees to gain non-identifying info.

I would complain to the clerk of the court about the manner in which you were treated, and ask for information on how you can obtain the info you are seeking.

Adoption courts have their own way of reviewing the adoptee info. Some require you to write, others have a form, etc. The clerk of the court will know what the procedure is and how you can get it.

At this point there is no reason for you to seek attorney legal advice until you know if you can obtain the non-identifying info with out petitioning the court. If you are required to petition the court, you can decide about the attorney.

I wish you the best.