Anyone know about opening records in New York?

Jen, I have a link to the website where you can download the forms necessary to petition the court for the release of your records. You'd be petitioning the court in which your adoption was finalized in the county where you were born. No legal representation is necessary, although it is advised [at least the Adoption Commissioner in my county advised it in a letter I was sent recently]. You need a medical reason that is provable or "good cause." If you were born in NYC, there is a birth index that you definitely need to check. I don't know how it works since I'm not from the area but I've seen it recommended to people in the area here on the forums.