Has anyone opened a closed adoption record in NYS? Born in 1980 and can't get a hold of my records... HELP!!

Question

I have so much information, but I am missing my borth mother's name.

Answer 1

If you already have a lot of information, I'm assuming you received your non-ID through the NYS Adoption Registry.  

Note to anyone going through the registry:  You will get a LOT more information if you have the adoption agency  provide the information.  Most "state" information responses are a single sheet with basic facts.

If you were born in NYC you can search the birth index for your original name.  Details are available in several places and there are people who will do it for a reasonable fee.  You can look at the NYC birth index through LDS Family History Centers but their index cuts off at 1965.

Please check the websites listed above, write NY assemblymembers and senators and tell them to support A2277 and S235!  Half of the assembly has signed on as SPONSORS - we are THAT close!

Answer 2

If you were born within the five boroughs of NY City we can find your name.   For the rest of the state the records are not released for 75 years.

Join Unsealed Initiative's NY effort for equal rights for adult adoptees and consider petitioning the Court where your adoption was finalized for access to your adoption Order.  

Oh and if you haven't done so already file a form 16A application for copy of adoption order after sealing of records.   Some people have been successful with this, depending on which County the adoption was handled by.   It's free and you can download that form from the Court's website (usually the Family Court but sometimes Surrogates)  This is free so definitely worth trying before a formal petition.

It's also worth asking to see old appearance records at the court as these are supposed to be public record although alot of clerks now keep them hidden away.   Worth a try.

Lastly, if you have any Native American blood you are entitled to your records under special rules, which allow you to re-connect with your tribe.   Again the forms are available from the Courts.

Answer 3

I wish I could offer more hope but with NY having closed records there is little to be offered. Take the advice above me and lobby for adoptee rights.

Good luck.

Answer 4

New York is closed. That's pretty much it.  You will not be able to get hold of your records UNLESS the proposed laws that are in the state assmbly right now actually get passed.

Call and write your state reps. For more inofrmation on the bill go here: http://www.unsealedinitiative.org/ It's great fun to go to Albany and Lobby.. it actually does work!!! http://musingsofthelame.blogspot.com/200...

Learn the history of NY State adoption laws and the truth about the OBC and adoption in general: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewarti...

And go to the Adoptee Rights Protest: http://adopteerights.net/nulliusfilius/

Hope and wait and write letters... tell everyone you know about how you civil rights are violated....

maybe someday.......