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Hello to all,
I'm just starting to investigate if I can obtain my original birth certificate, which remains sealed in the state of Colorado. [It appears that people born in certain years have open access. Alas, I am not one of those people.] Opening the records seems to entail either going through a Confidential Intermediary or demonstrating "good cause." I wanted to know if anyone had any experience in demonstrating good cause, other than medical issues. I think my right to information constitutes a good cause, but I imagine that a court would want something a little more compelling.
Any thoughts?
Thanks.
Lisa
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Lisa, I will try to explain "good cause" in relatively basic terms.The sealing of records is handled by the legislature in each state in which the records are sealed.The judge in the keeping of those records simply enforces the law, altho he does have some discretionary powers.In order to show "good cause" evidence must be presented to the court that is more compelling than the reasons the records were sealed. In other words, the evidence presented must carry greater weight or significance than the reasons the records were sealed.If the evidence presented satisfies the judge and he rules on it, he will note in the record that there was "good cause shown."Many courts do not recognize medical illness as a reason to over turn the sealing of records even in the face of terminal disease. Each state is different.Consulting an attorney in your state will save you from getting involved with many front line people and hearsay that is of no help.I wish you the bext.