Legal Question in Family Law in New Jersey
legal records from adoption
I was adopted in 1961 in New Jersey. The lawyer that worked on the case is now retired or deceased. What happens to my file? I know that the state records are sealed, but do I have the right to inquire of the attorney and possibly get the records he has?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: legal records from adoption
No, the records do not belong to you and you cannot legally obtain them. They are protected by the client-attorney privilege.
Re: legal records from adoption
I understand your question to reflect
a desire to locate your parents and/or
siblings and to learn your family medical history. I have not done it in quite some time but it is possible
to communicate indirectly with your
birth parents and/or siblings to obtain consent for you to communicate with them directly.
Call me if you like.
Gary Moore, Esquire
Hackensack, New Jersey
www.garymooreattorneyatlaw.com
Re: legal records from adoption
I don't know what the law was like in 1961, but I seriously doubt a file would exist. Most lawyers don't have files from 1991 let alone 1961. You are talking about a 45 year old file that has probably been lost or destroyed for decades.
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