Sometimes a parent who gives up a child for adoption hopes to see that child again.Some siblings want to meet their brothers or sisters.There are many reasons for wanting to get together, from simple curiosity to a need for information about family history.Adoptions are not open in most states.There are procedures for helping people get back together.
Step 1: Information should be gathered.
You should know as much as you can about the child.If you need to petition a court to unseal adoption records or use the internet to find a child, this information will be useful.If you worked with an adoption agency, you should try to get the name of the agency.The location was where the adoption took place.The child's name was given.The child was born.If applicable, the child's Social Security Number.
Step 2: It's important to understand whatidentifying information is.
Non-identifying information and identifying information are two different types of information that adoption agencies and state agencies have.If you want to find the child, you need identifying information.The names and addresses are identified.Non-identifying information about the birth parents is collected.Information about the birth parents includes their medical history, general appearance, and education level.If the agency collected non-identifying information about the adoptive parents, you can contact them.You should be aware that non-identifying information will not lead you to the child.Check your state laws to see how you can get identifying information, such as the adoptive parents, the child's new name, and where they lived when the adoption took place.
Step 3: Take a look at the applicable state law.
The state in which the adoption took place will affect access to information.Who can seek what information will be spelled out in the law.The ability to get identifying information may be limited by states.The Child Welfare Information Gateway has a summary of state laws.You should check to see if you can find the most recent statute in your state.You can search in your browser by typing your state and adoption statute.
Step 4: There are different types of registries.
Birth parents and children surrendered to find each other can be found in over 30 states.The child and birth parents can consent to the release of their identifying information in a mutual consent registry.After you register yourself, you can get the information if your child has already filed.You will have to wait if the child hasn't submitted information.The child will not be contacted by the registry in some states.You will have to wait for the child to apply to the registry.A confidential program is run by some states.In these programs, a request is made to the state agency and the other party will be contacted if they don't want their identity to be released.The other party can refuse or consent.You need a court order to use the program in some states.
Step 5: If you can, you should be able to access the registry.
If you can access identifying information from the state registry, you should read your state statute.Some states don't allow access to identifying information.In Wisconsin siblings are not allowed to search for each other.If the other party consents, about 37 states allow siblings to access identifying information.
Step 6: You need a registration form.
You need to fill out a form to use the registry.Each state should have a form on its website.New York has different forms for birth parents and siblings.The form for birth parents can be found on the state's Department of Health website.The Biological Sibling registration form is available here.New York requires siblings to include a current birth certificate.You can find your state registry by searching for it on a state website, such as a Department of Health or Vital Records.
Step 7: The form needs to be filed.
You can mail it to the address provided.You might have to pay a fee.You have to pay a fee in Arkansas.
Step 8: If necessary, receive counseling.
People need to seek counseling before they register for a state's registry.The purpose of the counseling is to inform you about the consequences of contacting a birth family.Counseling is required in Arkansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas.
Step 9: Speak to an attorney.
You may want to petition the court to unseal the adoption records if your state doesn't have a registry.You will need to prove that you have good cause in order to bring a successful petition.You might not be able to find the child you surrendered.An experienced attorney can help you craft a strong case.There are tips on how to find a good family law attorney.If you can't afford an attorney, you should look for a legal aid organization.Legal aid organizations help people with low incomes.Use the Legal Services Corporation's Locator to find a legal aid organization in your area.
Step 10: A petition can be drafted.
You can start a lawsuit by filing a petition.The legal reason why the adoption records should be sealed will be included in the petition.You can fill in the blank forms in some states.If a form is available, ask the court clerk.You can apply for access to the records in Texas.If you cannot afford a lawyer and your state doesn't have a "fill in the blank" form, you can view a sample petition and order at the adoption.com website.The sample petition should be changed to reflect your situation.If required, make sure the petition is arraigned.You should sign the petition in front of the public.Courthouses and large banks have notaries.You should bring a valid driver's license or passport.
Step 11: The petition should be filed.
You have to file it in the county where the adoption took place.If you live far away from the county, you should call the court clerk and inquire if you can file by mail or fax.It is possible that you will have to pay a filing fee.You can ask for a fee waiver if you can't afford it.
Step 12: Attend a hearing.
Before a judge will grant an order to unseal the adoption records, you will need to appear before the judge to answer questions and argue your case.You have to show that your need for the information outweighs the confidentiality of the adoption process.Supplemental information should be brought with you to support your case.An affidavit from your doctor explaining why the medical information is necessary will be required if you are looking for a brother or sister.
Step 13: A certified order can be obtained.
You should have the judge's order certified if he agrees to unseal the court records.Ask the court clerk how to get a certified order.Sometimes a judge will refuse to release records to you.You will need to go through a third party.You may need to give a certified order.You should keep a copy of your records as well.
Step 14: You should reach out to the child.
You should be given the names of the adoptive parents and the child if the judge agrees to unseal the adoption records.You might have to contact the adoptive parents first.Ask if they would write a letter to the child.You can search online for either the adoptive parents or the child.You can get advice on what web search applications you can use to find the child from How to Find Someone.