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Hello, This is the Board for Adoptive Parents to ask a Birthmother about her experiences as a Birthmother in an open adoption. You may find the answer to your question in the Legal issues board. Thank you, Moderator

Thanks.......and Sorry. I'm not sure what I'm doing!

Oh, that's okay! I am learning as well. :)

Hi Missie and Skye: Missie you asked a really good question. Skye you are are doing a great job answering questions on your forum. I contacted one of our experts that deals with this type of question frequently. This is what she e-mailed back to me: To petition a court to open a sealed adopted file the adoptee or adoptive parent should contact the court of jurisdiction (sometimes called the Superior Court)in the county in which the adoption was finalized. The positive or negative response to the petition varies from judge to judge, county to county and state to state. It is always worth a try. Call the court of jurisdiction and request their court form to open a sealed adoption file. A cover letter should accompany the request and I generally advise to attach a copy of the birth certificate for the person whose file is to be opened. For an adoptee, some courts require a "medical necessity" statement accompanied by a letter from their family Doctor stating that they have a genetic medical condition and giving information how opening the file and finding the birth parents would change the course and treatment of the disease. Some courts will open the file at the request of the adoptive parent. ALL courts will open the sealed adoption file under the I.C.W.A. (Indian Child Welfare Act) if the adoptee has proof in their non-identifying information that they have American Indian heritage. This information was provided by Colleen Buckner, [url]http://www.arighttoknow.info.[/url] Colleen volunteers as our Search Expert here on Adoptionforums.com at: [url]http://www.adoptionforums.com/bulletin/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=56[/url] She is also available to talk with in person on her Thursday night chats at [url]http://www.adoptionchat.com[/url] I am in hope that this information will be of help to you and others. Warm regards,

Thank you so much!!!! I have found my biological parents and stuff, but have grown up knowing (well, at least being informed, not sure if it is an actual fact) that my biological paternal grandparents put things in my file (such as cards, letters, newspaper clippings, etc.....) that when I turned 18, I could petition the court and get that file. Right now, well, at least today, I spent ALL day trying to get in contract with Washington States, Yakima County DSHS people, but they just shuffle me around. UGH...it is infuriating. I think I will contact the Yakima County Superior Court immediatly and see what I can do. The only problem that I could come in contact with is if they want to see me in person....which will be hard, considering I'm 1800 miles away from that locale. Thank you again! MissieMouse [url]http://www.geocities.com/MyLove4Jonathan/index1.html[/url]

Hi MissieMouse: Thanks for your reply. And you are very welcome for the info in the post I left for you. As I read your recent reply it made me think about the adoption agency that your birthmother worked with. Do you know which one that was? Sometimes the actual agency will keep a file that your grandmother may have submitted items for. If that agency is still in business it may be worth a phone call. I would let them know that you do know the identity of your biological parents and that you would like to know how your request information or items left on file for you. You might ask if they have an archived file section. Best of luck to you!!! God bless,

Hi Sabra, My birthmother didn't have a choice in which agency worked with me. I was taken from my biological family after she killed my baby brother. Anyway, I do know which agency I was adopted through, Lutheran Social Services. I've left messages with the receptionist and voicemails for the person I need to speak to, but so far, no responses. Thank you very much!! [url]http://www.scribblescorner.com/jonathan[/url]

Hi MissieMouse: I am so very, very sorry for what occurred prior to your adoption. Perhaps a simple professional sounding letter request to LDS without many details would help someone at LDS to locate your file for you. I would enclose a small check for postage expenses. If I did not receive a phone call or the items in the file after 3 to 4 wks I would re-submit a letter through registered mail. If you would like to e-mail me your first draft of your letter I would be happy to pre-view it for you. My e-mail is Sabra@adoption.com. Adoptionforum.com has a forum in which people can post information about LDS adoption. Perhaps if you post your request on that forum others may answer you with ideas. Another idea is to see if this same LDS agency can be located on the Internet and you can e-mail the director a simple request indicating that you are interested in covering the cost of postage. You are in my prayers as you pursue further. Warm regards, Sabra Cossentine Community Director [url]http://www.adoptionforums.com[/url] [url]http://www.adoptionchat.com[/url] [url]http://www,adoptionlists.com[/url]

Thanks Sabra. I don't know if it changes anything, but it's not LDS (which I took as Latter-Day Saints)....but it's Lutheran Social Services. :) MissieMouse

Hi Missie: LOL that does change alittle as far as locating the agency. Thanks for correcting me. :) There is not a forum on adoptionforumns.com for LSS Adoptions. But there may still be a way to research if they have a web site, not all agencies do but since we are talking this route may be worth a try. Thanks for your patience. ~ smile. You would go to [url]http://www.adoptiondirectory.com/[/url] enter the state that the LSS Adoption agency is in and see if anyhing comes up! Best of luck to you, hon. If you would like me to re-view your letter to LSS please let me know. Thanks so much! Warm regards,

Woohoo, found it! Lutheran Social Services of Washington, Southeast Area Kennewick, WA (509) 735-6446

So glad you found it! Prayers are with you. Go, girl!