Making the decision to go in search of your birth family is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make in your life. Often, many people don’t know where to start their search or worry whether or not they even have enough information to even start their search. This is where The Adoption Specialist comes in to help you take the big first step of your search.

What information do you already have?

You’d be surprised how often people come to us with concerns that they don’t have enough information to start their search for their birth parents! We tell them the same thing every time – not to worry. This is because we can start our search with what might seem like a completely insignificant amount of information. We need as little as a name, date or place of birth to get started on our search – most of our clients come to us knowing little to nothing about their birth parents or past adoption but we still have our ways of reconnecting estranged families and have done so thousands of times.

What happens if you don’t have any information?

For starters, don’t worry! If you don’t have a birth certificate or adoption records, names, dates or places, the best way to start is with a DNA Test. The results, together with the help of The Adoption Specialist will certainly assist with your search. Then, as strange as it sounds, take another DNA test with another company. Having your DNA listed on more than one database can really help to narrow your search field and increase your chances of finding a DNA match. The more clues that we have to solve your DNA puzzle, the better!

We recommend AncestryDNA and 23andMe for your DNA Tests.

How long does a search take?

We’re often asked how long a search will take – it can take as little as a few days to weeks.  Sometimes however, it can take several months to complete.  But don’t be disheartened by this, every search is different and each one presents its own unique set of obstacles, such as the information you have at the beginning of the search.  Some States and agencies take longer than others to receive information from and the information received from each State or agency can vary in detail. These are all pieces of the puzzle and help to build the bigger picture.

We tirelessly search for your loved ones, so no stone goes unturned, endeavoring to locate them as soon as we can. We want to make sure you’re never kept in the dark during the family searching process though, so we provide a time estimate at the beginning of of our journey and regularly check in with you with our progress!

How can I start my search with The Adoption Specialist?

Before your search begins, we will review your information with you during a FREE consultation and discuss if you are ready to start your search, what you would like to achieve, how the search will be conducted and what to expect during and after your search.

We will make a note of the information that you do have including any DNA Results and go from there. With years of experience in the field, we are confident we can help you with your search, guiding you and supporting you through the whole process.

The important thing to remember is – never give up! For more information on how we can help you, simply fill out our Search Request Form or Locate Your Child Form or contact us on (562)

438-6589 today!

For further information on finding your birth family or an adopted child and guides and top tips to help with your search, visit our Blog Section here.