[scrapbookmommy]

How hard is it to get sealed adoption records opened your self? Do you have to hire an attorney? What do you need to do? Any help would be appreciated.

[NancyJo]

All states are different. I petitioned the court that finalized my adoption and in less than two weeks had my court file. That also gave me records held by the state dept of social services. I did not use an attorney. But again, all states are different. I would start by checking with your states dss.
Good luck.
Nancy

[smorey]

How does one go about petitioning the court? I had information on my birthmother but not my birthfather, my bmom died this year before I could establish contact. She was the only one who knew who my bfather is, except for the court. Could use anybody's advice.

[PriestessVivian]

I don't know how it works where you live, but for me I had to wrie a letter to the courthouse judge with information of why I wanted to know, who was the judge, the lawyer, the dates, etc. It seems though that in PA it's pretty slow. There are a lot of people wanting to find their birth parents at the same time apparently. You can find out what the laws are in your state by going here: BastartNation.org
I apologize if anyone finds the name offensive, I didn't name it, but it has TONS of useful things on it. You can pic your country then your state and you can read all of the adoption laws for that state and what rights you have. It's very interesting.