Lets say I knew someone who worked at the clerk of courts office.?

PhilM

It would not be unethical for her to look. But since it would illegal, it would be asking quite a lot of her. It's probably wrong to put her in that position. But it would be great if she did it. And I understand the temptation to ask.

Lori A

Rachael can answer this better than I can but I think after many visits to the birth death and something else records, she became friends with the woman who worked there. Mostly because she was nice and not nasty like most before and after her. This womans job was to access those files. Not to give them out but she did have access to them.

I'm not telling the rest to protect the guilty.

Heather B

It would put her in a very difficult situation.

I don't believe that telling the owner of the birth record information contained on that birth record is a crime. I believe the crime is witholding the documents in the first place.

Heather Leigh

As tempting as it is, I think you would be putting your friend in an awkward position if you asked her to take a look at the record.

I know it must be frustrating to know she has access to the information you are looking for though.

Doodlestuff

His record has been PULLED and replaced with the adoptive birth certificate. That is what they do in most states now. In a state, that I won't mention, the trick was to find your certificate number. Then you could look in the other file for the same certificate number to find your real birth certificate. However, access is now restricted and it takes cleverer people to figure it out. It is because of identity theft that they restricted the stuff, not because of adoptees trying to find their original certificates.

Contrary to the poster above, birthmothers were never guaranteed anonymity, so stop using that stupid old line.

MamaKate

As much as I'm supposed to say "It's dangerous and illegal, follow the rules and listen to the Man". - I second Lillie!

I've consulted both Miss. Manners and Emily Post. Neither says it would be rude per se - although perhaps a bit awkward if the request is improperly worded. (You do not want your plea for justice misconstrued as a judgement of her uprightousness.) They do warn that there is a 50/50 chance of having your character questioned or being considered a very compassionate soul by the person you are asking.

In a fair and just world, your friend would be able to walk in and get his own records.

I am normally a law abiding citizen but when the law voilates people's rights, somebody should do something. (Yes, I know there are proper ways but the was also the Boston Tea Party and the Civil Right's Movement while the legislators figured it out on paper.) Getting some papers or a name is hardly violent protest or even destructive behavior - it is a victimless "crime".

As awful as I'm going to sound here; if it were me, I'd totally hint about it and see if she's up for a little vigilante justice! Your clerk friend would be like a superhero - V for Vendetta style! Just don't let her wear a cape - they get caught on things! :)

Good luck on one and only let us know how it turns out if she says "no"! ;)

dontknow86

I would ask her.

Lillie

If I were your friend, I would do it. ;)

sizesmith

It would be rude to put her in a position of having to say no, even though I think all parties shoud have access to records. Also, it can be conspiracy to commit a crime, and you could be arrested.

CEM

Yes it would be rude. Jobs like her's requires a great deal of confidentiality. If she was a professional, she would tell you no. What's the purpose?

Winnie James

You could mention it, but she would be the bad one to say yes. She works there and she is sworn to privacy. She would get fired if she accessed a file that was private. It would be her choice, but a respectable person wouldnt do it......

jazz41

why should she?

mom1

I see what others are saying but.....you may as well say "Are you interested in losing your job today and not being able to make the rent/mortgage or feed your family." The government doesn't look favorably towards those who breach confidentiality/break the law.
I do not agree with Mama Kate, it isn't a crime without a victim. The first mother may find this offensive and a breach of her original contract, many may not, but you can't be sure in this case.
ETA: In my state, the first parents are guaranteed anonymity if desired. An adopted person may request the OBC at the age of 19 however, the first parents are notified and can petition to prohibit disclosure.
Best of luck to you.

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