With so many people across the United States engaged in a birth parent search, it is no wonder that people have questions on where to start looking, even if it is possible to find their birth parents. In the last few decades, the Internet has made searching adoption records much easier.

Therefore, whether you are the birth parents or you are searching for your birth parents, you will want to start here with these frequently asked questions.

FAQ #1: Where do I start to search for my birth parents?

Start by getting an adoptive journal. Before you ask any questions, you will need a place to write everything down. You will soon be given lots of facts, names, dates, places, and agencies. You will need a place to write all this down. This journal will need to be readily available, so don’t make it too big and bulky.

You can keep a master file on your computer, but you will also want something portable. Therefore, don’t think you can “remember” everything and type it up later when you get home.

FAQ #2: Who has the adoption records?

The adoptive parents will have a copy of the records. You should always start with your adoptive parents when looking for records, as they will always have the most accurate information. It may be hard to ask them, but they will have the name of the agency and all the court papers from the adoption process. They could possibly hold the names of the birth parents right there putting an end to the search before it even begins.

Don’t forget to write down all the information you find down.

FAQ #3: What can the adoption agency tell me?

The adoption agency can tell you more than you think. Most people think since adoption records are sealed, they won’t be able to get anything from the adoption agency. Nothing can be further from the truth. In fact, you can learn a lot from what is called non-indentifying information. It can include:

•    Possible reasons you were given up for adoption

•    Age of birth parents at time of birth

•    Age and sex of biological siblings at time of birth

•    The ethnicity of your birth parents

•    Medical history of birth parents

•    Religion of birth parents

•    Geographic location of your birth parents at time of birth

FAQ #4: Once I find the birth parent name, what do I do?

Once you locate one or more of your birth parents’ names, it is up to you to proceed. You can do a people search to locate telephone numbers and addresses. At that point, you can decide to call or write. It is hard to say which one is best, as every situation is different. Only you can decide which is right for you.

A birth parent search may not be easy but not finding them is even harder. You can start your search today by looking through adoption records.

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