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Requesting an Original Birth Certificate

First published on January 1, 2020 • Last updated on January 14, 2020

How, when, and where adult adopted people may currently order copies of their own original birth certificates in the unrestricted OBC states.

The People I Represent

First published on December 22, 2019 • Last updated on December 22, 2019

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

First published on December 20, 2019 • Last updated on December 21, 2019

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

First published on December 19, 2019 • Last updated on December 19, 2019

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?

First published on December 11, 2019 • Last updated on December 13, 2019

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

First published on November 21, 2019 • Last updated on November 22, 2019

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

First published on November 15, 2019 • Last updated on October 11, 2022

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

California Intercountry Adoptee Bill Unfortunately Falls Short

First published on September 17, 2019 • Last updated on September 18, 2019

California passed a bill last week that may ultimately fail to address the need to finalize some intercountry adoptions in the United States

A Better Place for the Adoptee DNA Project

First published on August 2, 2019 • Last updated on August 2, 2019

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

First published on June 22, 2019 • Last updated on June 24, 2019

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

Arizona. Arizona implemented a "donut hole" provision in a new law, which became effective on January 1, 2022. It allows only some adoptees to request the OBC--- based on their date of birth---but denies the right to obtain the OBC to the vast majority of Arizona-born adopted people. Read more.

Arkansas.While Arkansas law allows adult adoptees to request their adoption files, the request is subject to a birthparent's ability to redact their names on the original birth certificates. A FAQ with information about the law and its requirements and discriminatory limitations is here.

California. Adult adoptees do not have a right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates, except by court order. Adoptees must petition the court and show “good and compelling cause” in order to obtain a copy of their own original birth record. Read more.

15 UNRESTRICTED
19 COMPROMISED
17 RESTRICTED
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