Finding birth family

[CalamityKate]

I'll keep it brief.

Adopted as a baby. Always aware of that fact. Couldn't have wished for better parents - we adored each other.

Know birth mother's name, and that I've got a half sister.

Fairly recently, went on one of those "Tracing People" websites and lo and behold, there was a message on there (from 7 years ago!) from my half sister trying to trace ME!

Immediately replied (reply would have been forwarded to her email address) but haven't heard a thing back so assuming she's since changed her email address.

Is going through the "finding birth records and getting adoption file etc etc" the only way forward, or can anyone think of any other way to find someone?

She isn't on FB as far as I can make out.

Great question. I'm guessing you have her name. Do you have her approximate location? If so, you could try 192.com. It does cost to get full details, and there may be better services out there but it might be worth a try.

Good luck! :)

Hi CalamityKate, very long story short, my mum was adopted, never knew her mums name, tried half heartedly looking a couple of times but felt always a long shot. Recenly found out her birth mothers name, and my sisters MIL search with her on Ancestry.com. Found her on there, her daughter is doing their family tree. Contacted her and last night had a reply saying that no one in the family knew until my mum sent that message but she asked her mum and she confirmed it!!!!! So my mum found out last night she has a half sister and 2 half brothers, and her birth mum is still alive!!!! No idea how to go from here now!

Anyway my long ramble was to say maybe trying on here would work-especially if they have been looking for you! You get 2 weeks free, and that would be a very good start.

Good luck x

Even better TiredMule. Here's a link to their site.

Calamity, I did the same last summer. I did go through the SS to get my file opened and get DOB and other family information. The rest I did via another site - but I'm assuming similar - genes reunited.
I knew DOB place etc and put the details in to check if she was on anyone's family tree. She was, and I cross referenced the trees. I found my BMs new married name.
See this could be the problem, female relatives are far more likely to have a name change

I traced my birth family through an organisation called Norcap. They have a register that birth family and people who were adopted can place their details. There are also a number of other registers. Norcap will act as a go between which can make things less stressful.

Chances are if your sister was trying to trace you she will have placed her details on registers I would say.

Lots of luck - fasten your seatbelt its going to be an emotional rollercoaster!!

I found my birth mother and subsequently birth father, 2 half sisters & a half brother through a charity called Birth Link, they were brilliant. Very supportive all the way. Good luck!