What do you think about search agencies?

Question

I asked a question the other day about searching for my half-brother who was adopted, and a few answers suggested registering with the ISSR. While at that website, I clicked on what must have been an ad for OmniSearch. I dropped them a mini-note about the details of my half-brother's adoption, since they do a mini-search for free. When I called and told them the (very little, imo) info. I have, they of course told me I have an excellent chance of finding him. The said '"we'd" start at the state of Cali. (his place of birth), call the hospital, wefare offices, etc. to try to find out who adopted him. Then find out if they had kids. Then from his DOB know which one is him. Then look for SS #, etc.

They said it would take a year or so and cost $1300, financing available, of course.

What do you all think?

Can I contact these places like the Sate of Cali. myself? Would I be paying them to do work that I could do? If so, how? Or are they somehow able to get more info.?

Answer 1

Yes do it yourself as what if the other place doesn't find anything and it cost you all that money. Good luck  :)

Answer 2

They use the same ideas as this blog gives, but the difference being is that they have made these phone calls and researching many times before so it comes a bit second nature to them, as opposed to a first time searcher.

http://prairieguy.wordpress.com/2007/07/...

Answer 3

You could probably do all these things yourself.  They would probably be more efficient since they are experienced.  

Do you want to spend that much money for this?  Do you get anything back if they are not successful?

Answer 4

Sarah,

I have the California birth index.  If you let me know you mom's name, I could do better with this -- narrow it down.  Right now, I have 34 pages of boy born in San Diego County on 4/5/1972.

You can email it to me through my profile page if you'd rather not post it on the board.

Thanks,

Laurie

eta:

Also, your brother's name/names that you know.

Answer 5

I've often wondered about this too; how other people can get access to information that we (usually the adopted people themselves) can't.  My guess is that at least part of the fees cover the cost of access to databases which these places pay a subscription for, etc.  But if they can access it, why can't we?

I wonder how a person goes about getting a Private Investigator license.  That should get you access to just about any record you need...hmm...maybe you could check into that and see if the cost/benefit is worth just paying these people to do the search for you.  Just some random thoughts, lol.

Answer 6

I know there are some reputable search agencies, and I believe they have value, from personal experience.

My son began his search for me in 1996.  He went through all the recommended steps, getting information, etc. etc.  Because the adoption was in 1966, lots of records were sealed.  He had no luck.

After 7 years of trying, he hired a searcher.  She found me in two months.  I don't know what their secrets are, but they obviously have them!

Answer 7

The state of wi has a program available that will do it for $50 -- i'm betting other states do as well.

my bmom paid an agency (that had nothing to do with my adoption) $100 and they found me.

$1300 seems incredibly ridiculous.

Answer 8

With boards availible like this one...why bother paying?

Anyone that has searched, can tell you everything you need to know on how to go about doing it & our advice for all your questions cost you a mere 5 points.... No bloody way would I ever pay someone else to do it for me... I'd have to have gone through years of unsuccessfully searching on my own and be nearing my expiration date (on deaths door)

Answer 9

Laurie is very trustable in my opinion :)

Answer 10

Be very careful with Omni Search.  I know a fellow Coleman adoptee who was ripped off by them. You can im me the information.  Let me check into ancestry.com and I can go from there. I have friends who can also help out.