If you were adopted as a child, statistics show that you aren't alone. An estimated 2% of the child population in the United States was adopted. As adopted children grow older, they can sometimes develop an interest in locating their birth parents.
If you have been thinking about finding your own birth parents but you aren't sure if you are ready to take the steps necessary to do so, here are three things you can do to help you make your decision.
1. Speak with a family law attorney.
Attorneys who specialize in family law are familiar with the rules and regulations that surround adoptions in the United States today. By meeting with a family law attorney, you will be able to find out how difficult it might be to get in contact with your birth parents.
Should you decide that you are willing to put the effort into finding your birth parents, a family law attorney will be able to obtain records pertaining to your adoption that will be helpful in locating the agency that handled your adoption, or finding out if your birth parents have put their name on an adoption reunion registry. Having the assistance of an attorney can be beneficial when it comes to finding your birth parents, especially if your adoption was a closed adoption.
2. Speak with your adoptive family.
Revealing to your adoptive family that you are interested in finding your birth parents could be difficult, but your family can help you make a final decision. It's important that you recognize that your adoptive family may feel threatened at first. They may fear that you will abandon them or like your birth parents more. Talking through these issues can help you reach a place of understanding with your adoptive family that will keep your family relationships intact.
Your adoptive family will be able to help you see your situation from a different perspective, and help you evaluate whether or not your expectations of a reunion with your birth parents are realistic.
3. Join a support group.
If you are hesitant to find your birth parents because you aren't sure how they will react, you can alleviate this fear by joining a support group for adopted children. Many adopted children seek out their birth parents, and hearing about the experiences others have had during their search can help you determine if you are ready to begin your own search.
You will be able to hear about successful reunions, and you might hear about some failed reunions as well. This information will give you some insight into the emotional toll associated with a search for your birth parents, and you can make an informed decision about starting your own search.
Making the choice to find your birth parents can be difficult. When you take the time to talk to a family law attorney, discuss your plans with your adoptive family, and join a support group, you will be able to find the answers you need to help you decide when the time is right to begin searching for your birth parents.
Contact an office like Fleishman Law Office SC to learn more.
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