How do I find out my birth parents surname?

December 3, 2012

Hello,

I live in CA and I was adopted, I believe through a private agency, and my adoptive parents don't remember my biological mothers last name anymore..now that I am old enough and interested. I've tried searching all over google and can't seem to find anything helpful from the courts, I live about 2 hours away from Los Angeles which I assume is where I would have to go to get anything done. I was wondering if anyone knew exactly where I had to go or what I have to do to get my adoption records in CA if I was originally born in Orange County? Anything would help, I just need to know where to start and don't feel like spending $500+ on a PI or one of those websites..

Thanks.

L4R

December 4, 2012

Adoption records, including your original birth certificate, are sealed in California, and you can only gain access to them through court order.

Your best bet is to get your adoptive parents to tell you the name of the private agency that handled your adoption case. Usually, the agency will be willing (often for a fee) to send you non-identifying information about your biological family.

Also, the adoption agency may offer to attempt to locate your family (for a fee).

Without access to our original birth certificates, it can be a long journey to finding the information.

You may also want to look and see if California has an adoption registry. If one of your biological relatives registered and you register, then you can match.

You also may want to look into registering with ISSR (International Soundex Reunion Registry). Again, you might find a match.

You probably should attempt to get your non-id first, so you have as much info. as possible to add to the registries.