Post by jerianne on Nov 1, 2007 22:08:57 GMT -5
I hope the following information will help those searching in Massachusetts. While I believe I have always been searching, I actively began searching for my birth mother in 2000. I had contacted the agency that I was adopted from several times over the years only to be discouraged from searching. Mine was a closed adoption and I was told that no identifying information could be released. In June 2001, a fellow adoptee suggested I send a letter to Hampshire County Probate Court, Northampton, MA, the court that handled my adoption, requesting my adoption records. Included in my request was my name, D.O.B., adopted parents names, the hospital I was born in and the agency that handled my adoption. Three days later I received a reply via the mail. My adoption file was located and..." In order to access your file you would have to come down to our office and produce a license or some sort of picture I.D. and then you would be able to look at your file and make copies if you wish." I was speechless!!!! ther must be some mistake!!! It couldn"t be this easy!! within and hour of receiving this letter I was handing the lady at the courthouse my drivers license and she handed me my adoption file! Included in my file was my original birth certificate complete with my birth mother's name and residence at the time of my birth. After making copies of the file, I returned it and asked why I was able to access these records without appearing befoe a judge. I was told all adoption records prior to 1974 (I believe that was the date) had been opened by thier probate judge allowing those of us adopted in Hampshire County (Prior to 1974) to access our records. If you were adopted in Hampshire County, MA before 1974 you might want to contact this court to request your records. I realize we now have the ability to get our original birth certificates but your adoption record may contain so much more information. Mine included a narrative regarding my birth mother and birth father, my birth mother's surrender papers, and her handwriting. I realize it has been six years since I got my records but it can't hurt to inquire. I truly hope this information helps and good luck to all! 
