Step 6 is to purchase a notebook for documents and the information that you are beginning to compile.



A three-ring binder notebook with pockets might be your best choice. The biggest advantage to having a notebook dedicated specifically to your search is that it will help you keep all your information together. Since a search is somewhat like putting together a puzzle, you need to keep all the pieces together. Periodically, examine them and try to make the pieces fit together and solve your search.

If you sign up for any registries, it is a great ideal to have them all listed in your notebook for two reasons. First, if any of your contact information changes; you have all the information that you need to update your contact info on the registries. Several times I have heard of people believing that they have found a family member, and then discovering that the email address listed for them is not current. Second, if you find the person you are searching for you should notify any registry that you have used so that they can remove you from their database.

Also included in your notebook will be copies of your birth certificate and any other pertinent documents. As you continue to gain clues, record them in your notebook. Include any telephone calls or in person conversations with anyone who might know anything about the adoption. A telephone or conversation log can make it easier to keep track of clues provided from either of these methods.

Any correspondence that you receive from either the agency where the adoption was finalized or the state that handled the adoption will become a part of the notebook. If you send out correspondence to possible matches, keep any returned letters that come back as well. You may not initially recognize the significance or see a clue at first, but keep even seemingly unimportant records and documents regarding your search. They might be helpful later.