Adoption Records and Strategies for Finding Birth Family

Whether you have adopted ancestors or are adopted yourself, or just want to learn more about an adoptive ancestor, thorough research can lead to incredible discoveries. Of course, this process can be incredibly emotional and overwhelming. Below we offer some resources to help you find the information you seek.

Strategies for Researching Adopted Ancestors

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FAMILY TREE FREE RESOURCES

Free Adoptive Family Tree Template Download

Use this free form to record both an ancestor's biological and adoptive parents.

FREE

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How to Research Orphaned and Adopted Children in Your Genealogy

This article provides tips and resources to help you find orphaned and adopted ancestors, as well as a relevant case study.

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Finding Your Birth Family

Tracing your Biological or Natural Family

5 First Steps to Researching Your Own Adoption

Finding a Birth Family Means Hunting for Hidden Roots

All Aboard with Orphan Train Research

Learn more about the Orphan Train and how you can track down and research ancestors who might have been aboard.

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Documents and Records

Deciphering Guardianship Records Step-by-Step

Sealed Adoption Records: Case Closed?

DNA and Adoption

Finding Your Birth Family with a DNA Test

How Are Adoptees Related to Their DNA Matches?

MyHeritage’s DNA Quest Reunites Family in New Zealand