Grandparentage Test: This test determines the statistical probability that an adult is the grandparent of a child. This DNA test determines the probability that an adult in that grandparent of a child. Because of the relationship, conclusive results can not be derived. The accuracy of the test can be increased if one of the child’s parents is also tested. Fees for the grandparentage test are usually higher than the paternity and maternity tests and can range in price depending on whether you want it for informational purposes or court admissible... more

Grandparentage Test: This test determines the statistical probability that an adult is the grandparent of a child. This DNA test determines the probability that an adult in that grandparent of a child. Because of the relationship, conclusive results can not be derived. The accuracy of the test can be increased if one of the child’s parents is also tested. Fees for the grandparentage test are usually higher than the paternity and maternity tests and can range in price depending on whether you want it for informational purposes or court admissible... more

There are various types of DNA tests and the purpose of this series of posts is to tell you a little bit about each one. Keep in mind that depending on the laboratory what each test is called may vary. Also, depending on the test, the cost will vary. It is best to get references, ask other triad members whom they have utilized for DNA testing, and shop prices.

Paternity Test: This DNA test determines the likelihood that a male is the biological father of a child. This test can range in price depending on what you are exactly looking for.... more

This article from the UK surveyed 208 adopted people, aged from six to 22 and found that they want more information about their adoptions.

Adopted children want more information about their birth family and why they were adopted, according to a report.

This study also discusses how adoption agencies in the UK are not meeting government standards. It says that one out of every two agencies are failing in some respects. Their research cites high... more

For people involved in black or gray market adoptions, finding birth family or a child surrendered to adoption certainly can be more difficult. However, over the years groups have sprung up to unite those searching. There were some quite well-known adoption lawyers or agencies in several states know for shady, if not illegal adoption practices.

In Florida, an attorney named Helen Tanos Hope was known to have handled many adoptions in the 60's to 90's. It is alleged that her adoption records were found in a dumpster after her death and another attorney... more

Society has come a long way since the closed adoption era in regards to the taboos of single parenthood. The guidelines in society that once protect marriage because marriage protected the child seem a bit outdated today. However, there are some who want to hang on to their husbands for paternity reasons and don’t’ want DNA testing. Why is this? Infidelity? The wife wants to keep husband in the dark because she doesn’t trust that he will stay with her if he finds out the truth? Doesn’t he have a right to know? Does the child have a right to know? Does... more

It is my understanding that the supporters of Real Daddies feel that the laws should change so that paternity can be contested at any time. In other words, if a DNA test proves they are not the father they believe they should be relieved of support obligations.

I think that it is safe to say that most of us in the adoption community are supporters of truth in adoption and similar issues. Do children benefit if the father is duped by the mother? Is ignorance bliss? Is this a price that has to be paid to keep a family in tact? What happens if the child... more

As of late I heard of a campaign that apparently is an effort to change state laws so that men can contest paternity at any time. Recently I heard, that the laws in many states say that if a married couple is living together the husband is the father of any children born to the wife regardless of DNA evidence. In addition in the case of a married couple living apart or an unmarried couple, the father has only a short time to contest paternity if the mother names him as the father.

Whether all of this is true or just a portion of it I am not exactly... more

The first blog on this subject is at http://birthfamily-search.adoptionblogs.com/weblogs/indian-child-welfare-act-1 which was posted February 22, 2006.

The section referenced in the previous blog essentially directs the State to give adult adoptees of Native American heritage who request it, their birth information, so that they may enroll in their tribes. The section does allow for birthparents to file a veto, but even then the adoptee is entitled to tribal notification... more

That night I proceed to get drunk so I could just not worry about the situation, because I remember that when my mom and dad left the party my dad said we would be talking about it tomorrow. The next day while I was home my heart started pounding extremely fast and hard. I told Tina to call an ambulance because I thought I was having a heart attack. I ended up in the ICU for three days but the doctor’s said it wasn’t a heart attack but actually an anxiety attack. I spoke to a therapist a week later and he started giving me Paxil for depression, I was... more