Hello List Members,
If adopted in Michigan before May 1945, an adoptee, parents, children,
siblings etc. can petition a probate court or adoption agency for
identifying information.
In Wayne County the fee is $60. Contact the Wayne County Probate Court,
Juvenile Division. It is on Forest Ave. in Detroit.
As part of the procedure, you will receive a letter that you can use to
obtain the original birth certificate.
This procedure also applies to adoptions that occurred after 1980 once the
adoptee is 18 years old.
For those adopted 1945-1980, you may petition for non identifying
information. Occasionally there is enough information to identify the birth
family - especially if you already have some possible names. You can also
hire an intermediary.
The brochure on Michigan adoptions describes the function of the
intermediary.
This information may be on an adoption information web site.
Ruth McMahon AG
Professional Genealogist Detroit MI area