How to find biological mother in state of Florida?

Question

Hello! I'm helping a friend of mine try to find her biological mother (she's 30 years old and was adopted at 5 weeks old). I understand Florida's adoption records are sealed, so this may be a challenge and will require a court order to get the documents we need. Has anyone been through this or does anyone know how to accomplish this?

Answer 1

Florida is one of the 44 states that discriminates against adopted citizens by not allowing them access to their own birth records, on par with non-adopted citizens.  

Florida does allow adopted persons to petition the court, and the court will grant access if "good cause" is shown.  Unfortunately, "good cause" is undefined.  It is left to the discretion of the judge as to whether or not your petition meets this burden.  It is very rare that petitions are granted.  That said, I do think every adopted citizen should petition the court.

Here is a link that will give you information about the access laws in Florida, as well as information to help with a search:

http://adopteerights.net/nulliusfilius/?...

Make certain to sign up with the International Soundex Reunion Registry at http://isrr.net.  

The link I gave you also has information about search organizations in Florida, such as Florida Search Angels, Torn Asunder, the Florida Triad group, as well as FREE.  FREE (Florida Records Equality Effort) is an organization working to restore equal treatment under the law for adopted citizens through equal access to their own birth records.

Answer 2

Laurie has given you some great places to start.

Good luck!