Another option is the use of a P.I. Usually they are less expensive than ISC's, but the disadvantage is that they are seldom trained in adoption search, which is a very unique brand of 'missing persons'. I recommend that if you go this route, unless the investigator specifically bills himself as an adoption specialist, only utilize their services in the event that you have a name that your search is centered around, and have been unable to turn up anything yourself. Investigators are often skilled in this regard. Again, it is important to obtain references.

Investigative services, search organizations

You might also consider utilizing the services of a company such as RMI or Dataquest, that advertises adoption searches and/or 'database' searches. For some specific, narrow searches, such as DMV, credit file, birthdate, or Social Security traces (*not* SSDI searches or phonedisc searches, which many epople online will do for free or you can look up yourself)these services can be very handy, and many professioanl searchers use these companies. However, it is imperative that you obtain references, and are very familiar with exactly what information you will be receiving for your money, and what your other options are for receiving the same information.You can search the Social Security Death Index online free, from a link at Ancestry's Website.

You might also see advertised on Oprah or other talk shows, other companies or organizations such as ALMA, or those two slimy looking guys who shall remain nameless. I can't think of a good reason to use any of these services. Most of the information and techniques these folks use can be found in any of the books I've recommended previously, as well as the ones that are in the booklist FAQ for alt.adoption.

Volunteers

There are people who will conduct a search, or part of a search, free of charge, or at 'cost', which means different things to different people. A volunteer can be a good option when you need some 'legwork' done in a state or city that you do not live in, or are unfamiliar with. The advantages of using a volunteer are cost, although you should be clear upfront what expenses your volunteer expects to be reimbursed for. Do they include travel? parking? gas? Or are the expenses limited to document copying and retrieval? All of these things should be gone over in advance. You should also make it clear how far you want the volunteer to go with your search. On more than one occasion, I have heard or been party to situations when the volunteer was overly enthusiastic and initiated contact with the birthfamily or adoptee without the consent or knowledge of the searcher. The disadvantages of using a volunteer searcher can include time, as many of these wonderful folk have 'real' lives and paying jobs, and do the search work out of the kindness of their heart, when their schedule allows. Also, volunteers are often less skilled than paid, credentialed, or professional searchers, and can make mistakes or generate false leads. I recommend using volunteers when you are in need of very specific information and have no other way to retrieve it. Remember that most libraries have research librarians on staff who will take requests over the phone or via fax or letter, to research certain kinds of library holdings, like city directories, obituaries, and genealogy, usually for very reasonable hourly fees or merely the cost of the copies of the document(s) themselves. One very important thing to keep in mind is that volunteers are just that. Please do not abuse their services or neglect to pay, or expect them to act as quickly and thoroughly as professional, paid searchers. There is an infamous story, that I personally can vouch for, about a volunteer searcher who footed the bill for anyone who stated that they were unable to afford her services. One night, an individual who had claimed just such hardship, came to the volunteer's house to pick up some documents. She drove up in her brand new Mercedes, wearing a ballgown, on her way to a $5000 a couple fundraiser. The Volunteer Search Network, online, is a place you should check out if you are considering the use of a volunteer searcher.

Self-searching

Searching by yourself is certainly the most difficult, but often the most rewarding, choice. The advantages include cost, the ability to regulate pace, and the ability to make first contact. Many people find the act of the search itself very therapeutic, others enjoy the challenge, and still others like fulfilling childhood fantasies of being a secret agent or private investigator. Many searchers find that once their search is completed, they miss it, and they often become professional searchers or volunteers for others, or they engage in indepth genealogies of their newly found birthfamilies. The disadvantages include the time investment, the emotional investment, and, somtimes,the sheer difficulty. It is my recommendation that every individual pursue searching on their own, to some degree. Some who didn't expect it, may find that they enjoy searching and want to continue to the end, or until they hit an insurmountable roadblock. At any rate, for the initial stages of a search, the searcher himself is probably the most qualified and knowledgeable individual to carry it out. Beyond that, each person must weigh their time commitments, emotional strength, and ability to deal with an often unyielding and frustrating bureaucracy.

Bottom Line

Whenever you are utilizing the search services of an individual other than yourself or a close friend, it is important to obtain references first and foremost. Secondly, sit down with the searcher, intermediary, or volunteer, and obtain a detailed description of what steps they expect to take in your search, timelines, cost, and a system of updates that they will provide to you. Inquire about the fee structure and procedure for refunds, and obtain a written contract or agreement laying out the things you have discussed. In most cases, I recommend that you do not hire a searcher who requires an upfront fee, unless it is a partial fee for the purposes of a deposit, and the contract spells out aqequate and fair methods of refund and payment remainder. Check the fees that you are quoted with others who have had searches completed, but bear in mind the particulars of your search, and the state laws of the state your search will take place in. The best approach to searching is one that works for you in your individual circumstance.

Continue to the next section, Petitioning the Court

This post was authored by Shea Grimm except where otherwise indicated. It may be copied and distributed freely, in whole or part, as long as it is not sold, and as long as this notice is kept intact.