Legal Question in Family Law in California

Adult Adoptee (part Native American) wishes to obtain original birth certificate

I am an adult adoptee, adopted in California, now residing in a distant part of the U.S.

and I would like to obtain my original birth certificate from the Superior Court of Sacramento County, California. I am not terminally ill, and have no true compelling hereditary medical condition to help my cause. My non-id from the agency does state, however, that my birthfather was part Native American. Could I use the ICWA in my argument, and is this effective?


Asked on 3/09/00, 12:52 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
John A. Giffen Law Offices of John A. Giffen

Re: Adult Adoptee (part Native American) wishes to obtain original birth certifi

Unfortunately the courts in California seal adoption records and they are extremely difficult to reopen. You dont say how old you were when you were adopted, or how old you are now, but Califonia allows adoptees and natural parents to register with the state to allow information between them. Check with the department of vital statistics and get registered with them. They will provide you with information regarding your natural parents if they have registered. You might be able to go to the tribal counsel of your indian nation. They have to be contacted in an adoption in California if the child has a significant amount of native american ancestry (25% or more). The child then has a right to be registered with the tribe and you might be able to get information from them. There are also private registrys that help adoptees. ALMA-Adoptees Liberty Movement Assoc has offices in Sacramento, and several other states, and International Soundex Reunion Registry in Carsen City, Neveda are two.

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Answered on 6/15/00, 2:18 am


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