How do I start the search for my biological parents?

Question

I have recently found out that I was adopted. I am 23 years old and never had a clue that I was adopted. I am interested in locating my birth mother via the internet. Where should I start? What should I look for? I would like to do this for free if possible. Is there someone out there who could get me started?

Answer 1

Our family was just informed we have a new daughter, a 46 yr old from my husband's young days. She sought us out, it has been a nightmare. Please be careful, maybe your real Mom doesn't want to be found. If you make contact, let her make the next move. We feel we have been invaded, but we are trying to be considerate and understanding, but the daughter is very pushy, manipulative.

Answer 2

you should at least start in the state where you were adopted hopefully you are from a state that opens the cases after so many years..i know ky does not..they are sealed forever..you need to see if you can get your original birth certificate..that will tell you most of what you need to know..then search from there..how are your adopted parents handling this...if they are ok with it..they may be able to tell you things such as what hospital you were born in etc...all of these are places to start

also call the adoption agency for the state in which you were adopted...its all at their fingertips...they really helped me when i was looking

Answer 3

I can totally get you started, i need to know the state your adoption was finalized in. contact me if you'd like.

Answer 4

It's true: if anyone can, Gershom can!

Answer 5

I was able to find my biologica sister by my self for FREE. First gather ANTHING you can find. Names, ages, stories. Also try to find your adoption decree. The first step would be to look for mothers listed as giving birth on your b-day. There will be clues to the one who places their child because it will be a vague announce ment. Try to match your birth weight and time.

Also try to just google their names and yours. they may be looking for you too. That's how I found my sister. It's amazing how much you can find about someone on google.

Answer 6

talk to your parents first, they might be able to tell you a little more about your birth mother, which hospital you were born, which state was it... then start from there contact the person who did the adoption process he/she might also be able to help you to find your birth mother. Good luck

Answer 7

Sign up with some adoption boards, check with the adoption agency. I found a search angel who found my daughter in 2001, she was 29. Things turned out pretty good and we still love each other. I respect her birth parents and I feel we have a nice friendship.

Answer 8

there are all sorts of adoption forums and sites out there. my friend found her birth mother this way.

stick your name and who you're looking for everywhere possible. this way it's more likely that someone that knows your birth mother will see it.

i've listed a few sites you might like to try. something else i would suggest is putting the birth mother's name on yahoo answers and see if anyone knows her? there are heaps and heaps of people on yahoo and someone might come across it and give you some more info.

best of luck with your search.

Emily

Answer 9

1. register with isrr.net (not .com!)  they are the most widely used and recognized reunion registry in the world.

2. go to this site to determine your states laws regarding information and who to contact.

http://local.reunion.adoption.com/

There are only 5 states currently with "open" records.  AK, OR, KS, AL, NH.  The 6 state ME opens in Jan 2009.  What this means is that the adoptee can request and receive their original birth certificate, which will give the name(s) of birth parents.

3. Register with any state run or private run state specific registries.

4. register with these 2 sites as well, they are very widely used and respected.

www.registry.adoption.com

http://www.gsadoptionregistry.com/

there are many others as well but the 2nd one listed has a group of search angels with many databases and their track records is incredible for finding birth families.

Get as much information as you can from your adoptive family and use this information combined with the non-id you can get from the agency or the state.  Some states are easier to search because many records are online but some can be rather difficult.

Good luck in your search.

Do not pay anyone for search services.  There are too many angels out there that will do the same work for free.

Answer 10

Get what info you can from your adoptive parents.  Birth date, where you were born, adoption agency.  Any of this can help. Then do a search online for adoption search registries.  Many of these are run by adoptees who are searching or have found their birth parent.  It may very well be that your birthparent is trying to find you.  

I found my son by accident by using Google and searching his birthdate and the word "adopted."  He'd had a website for 7 years, but i needed the right combo of things to find it.

Answer 11

I'm sorry that you didn't grow up knowing your adoption story.  That must have been a hard realization when you finally found out.

Ok, you can Google adoption registries (register with them all, you never know which one your birth mom might be registered with).

You can also contact the state (where you were born and/or where you were adopted) the Vital Records department to see about getting original birth certificate and/or adoption decrees.  This might cost you a nominal amount (most are less than $10/document).

You can contact the agency or attorney that facilitated the adoption to see what information you can find out.

I hope this helps!