Petitioning the Court for Adoption Records?

LaurieDB

I live in California and when I petitioned, the court fees were reasonable (about $150.00.) For New York, the forms are downloadable from the Court Website:
http://www.nycourts.gov/forms/familycourt/adoption.shtml
The necessary forms are numbers 27a - 27e and can be found at the bottom of the list.

New York, like California, is a tough one. Trying to show "good and compelling" cause is interesting, because there is no legal definition of such. It is left to the discretion of the court, meaning each judge decides what that means and whether or not your petition meets the burden of proof.

The letter I received back from the judge stated the my petition did not meet this. I already knew my entire natural family. Desire for medical information doesn't meet it, either.

You'll more than likely, as Amy stated, need legal representation. Courts take lawyers more seriously than people who petition pro persona.

The New York code is statue 4138 c and d. They really push for their mutual consent registry, but finally note that the OBC can be obtained by court order.
http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/state/index.cfm?event=stateStatutes.processSearch

Torrejon

I does vary state to state. I was able to download forms from the internet, fill them out, have them notarized, and simply mail them in to petition the court to open my records. Then the court assigned the case to a court sanctioned Confidential Intermediary who is the actual person who looks at the files and does the investigatory work to find, in my case, my bparents. The CI is also the person who contacts the sought-after and must get written permission that is filed with the court for release of that person's identity. It is all very formal, and I liked that. If I remember correctly it cost about $750. I did not get to see my file, nor was I provided copies of anything because both bparents would have had to sign over that right to me...and they wouldn't. So keep in mind that even if you get permission to open the records, the answer could still be no.

red&sassy

Unbelievable.... it's wrong, all wrong. I hope we can bring change for this. I can't imagine not being able to have my hands on my OWN information. Then you have to pay and beg for them....

Best wishes.

mountainmomma

I tried in NJ and it cost $10 ( and an affadavit) to ask the judge to consider it.

amyburt40

I would get a lawyer to help you with New York. New York is known for turning down folks.

mommy2squee

Fees vary by state and county.

I would talk to a lawyer.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: