Searching for biological family

iliketurtlesverymuch

Hi, I was wondering if anybody has tips on searching for information about biological family that is/most likely dead? My mother was adopted by her step father, and her biological father himself was adopted in a kinship situation. I know that my biological grandfather is still alive and he lives less than an hour away from me, but I also know that he probably has 0 interest in talking to me, and I don't think my grandma really knows much about his side. Are there records or anything I can look into to find out names and info? I live in Jackson County Missouri if that helps at all!

(also I hope you guys don't mind me posting here but I saw there were some adoptees on here that had found birth family so if it is a problem I can delete this...) 

Dr.Loretta

If you already have some names and dates, ancestry. com could be a place to start. You're just looking for names and dates, correct?

iliketurtlesverymuch

I tried Ancestry but it wasn't all that helpful because all I know is my biological grandfather's name and birthdate.

dholsapp

I'm not in your state, but I know that our lawyers have someone on staff whos job is to help adoptees find info on birth parents. You might check with some agencies around you to see if they offer a similar service. Good luck! 

IRR

Nothing to add, but good luck!

GWUAlum

I really don't know if this will help, but if they have ever owned property w/in a county there should be records of that in the Register of deeds within that county. It's probably not exactly what your looking for, but may help a little? Good luck!nbsp;

GWUAlum

There

lizlemon2

I agree with finding a lawyer's office.  They may have paralegals, computer software etc better able to get that kind of info.

If it was a DCF/foster care adoption, you can see if your local office can help you.  In MA, we have a "family find" worker who has access to a computer program called Accruint to find family members.  We use it to find absentee parents, kin placements/visitors for foster children,etc.

 

iliketurtlesverymuch

lizlemon2:

I agree with finding a lawyer's office.  They may have paralegals, computer software etc better able to get that kind of info.

If it was a DCF/foster care adoption, you can see if your local office can help you.  In MA, we have a "family find" worker who has access to a computer program called Accruint to find family members.  We use it to find absentee parents, kin placements/visitors for foster children,etc.

Do you know if there would be a cost for it? 

ladyjenna13

In my case, when I started a search for my birthparents, I started with my county because the county was charged with my adoption.  Since they were closed records at the time, the county initiated the search with my parents, and recieved their signoff on identifying information before it was handed over to me.

I imagine the county you live in, or the state, would be a good place to start, since I am certain those adoption records were sealed at the time of the adoptions.  With all adoptions, the birth certificate needs to be adjusted, so public records at the courthouse may also be a place to begin.

IM me if you have any specific questions for me.