Adoptee Rights Law Center

Legal representation and advocacy for adult adopted people

Gregory D. Luce

The People I Represent

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I’ve seen my share of strange and anonymous complaints about the work that I do on behalf of adult adopted people. Here’s what I do.

My Big Problem With Wisconsin’s Bill

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I support the unrestricted release of identifying information. I do not support mixing that all up and calling it an OBC under a different name.

Proposed USCIS Fee Hike: Impact on Adult Adoptees

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The proposed fee hikes will substantially increase the cost of naturalization applications for intercountry adoptees plus eliminate the ability to apply if you lack the financial resources to do so.

A Little Holiday Help for an Adoptee?

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A fee of $1,170.00 is the only thing that stands between my client obtaining proof of her US citizenship. That’s where you can help.

Meanwhile, a Few Canadians Didn’t Get the Memo

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The Prince Edward Island bill is bait and switch legislation built on top of a toxic electrified fence intended to constrain adoptees. Don’t touch it.

New York’s Equal Rights Law: FAQ

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Updated answers and questions about New York’s newly enacted adoptee rights law, which Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed on November 14, 2019.

A Better Place for the Adoptee DNA Project

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As of August 1, 2019, the DNA Kit Donation program and its current funds have been transferred to Adoptees United, a national charitable nonprofit organization.

Updated Info about New York’s Equal Rights Bill

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An updated list of questions and answers about the Weprin/Montgomery Bill, which was finally passed in the New York Assembly on June 20, 2019

The Presence of a Man

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Demand that Connecticut Senators reject the “Somers Amendment,” a backwards approach that literally requires the presence of a man to release an adoptee’s own vital record.

What’s an Original Birth Certificate?

Most adopted persons know what an original birth certificate (OBC) is. Many non-adopted people do not. An original birth certificate is the initial birth certificate created shortly after a person's birth. For most people, it is their only birth certificate.

For persons born and adopted in the United States, a new or "amended" birth certificate replaces the OBC once the adoption is final. In addition to replacing the original, the names of the birth parents are also replaced with the names of the adoptive parents. Some states may also alter or omit additional information on a new certificate, including the adoptee's specific place of birth.

Depending on state law, an original birth certificate is sealed and remains unavailable to the adopted person, even when they become an adult. If you are not adopted, your original birth certificate is your only birth certificate---and it is always available to you upon request.