Alyssa asked me to help her get her OBC. Tomorrow first thing in the morning we are headed down to family court to start the process. About a year ago she had asked her adoptive parents to help her. They said they would but nothing has been done, not even a phone call. I understand that seeing that their daughter has a birth certificate that does not have them on it would be hard to see. But this is not about them, it is about her and her desires. What is so wrong with seeing and touching your original birth certificate? Her adoptive parents did not even know she had an original birth certificate they had to have that explained to them a year ago.
My older sister who is an attorney said it should take about 6 weeks to get her OBC. She is a tax attorney and according to law if everything goes perfect it will take 6 weeks. We are dealing with two different counties, one where she was born in and one where the adoption was finalized. I have heard horror stories about others being denied their OBC. Has anyone tried getting their OBC in California? I am nervous, anxious, I just want this taken care of and know the complete process.
Part of the reason Alyssa wants her OBC is because she found out she is 1/8 Cherokee Indian on her dad's side. We want to track her history, her family. She wants the paper that shows that she really is related to these people.
Jeannette -
ReplyDeleteI believe she will have to get a court order to unseal the adoption records, which include the OBC. Most judges require a "compelling reason" (such as Stage 4 cancer or other terminal genetic diseases). You should start with the county in which the adoption was filed. If there is no record there, then you have to contact the California State Office of Vital Records. With a crappy court order. :(
I hope it is an easy experience for her, but be prepared for it not to be that way.
(((Hugs))) to both of you -
Melynda
Yes, We have to get a court order to open it. Tomorrow we are going to the court house and fill out the paperwork to get this all started. I do expect it to take a year to get her OBC. I figure 6 weeks is more of a dream than reality.
ReplyDeleteGood luck! It's a hard battle to fight, but I'm sure it's better when you've got family on your side :-)
ReplyDeleteOh man, PLEASE keep us all updated on this journey! Take lots and lots of notes and leave breadcrumbs for this who will eventually want to do the same.
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of BOTH of you!
Jeannette - Just found this forum thread online: http://forums.adoption.com/sealed-records/353322-successful-petition-break-seal-ca.html Maybe there is something helpful there?
ReplyDeleteHugs -
M.