I was adopted in the state of California and it was a sealed adoption, however I am now 40 yrs old with 3 boys of my own and would love to be able to answer some of the questions about our heritage. If anyone can help please don’t hesitate.

I am needing to get permission from a court to open my sealed adoption record and a lawyer charges me 1,000 plus court costs.

I was adopted in PA in 1971. I am trying to find my biological mother. The adoption records are sealed. I have no idea where she is, what her name is, etc. Is there a way to get the records? How useful are specialized search agencies (ie. Omnitrace) or private investigators? Any info would be appreciated.