Legal Question in Family Law in New Mexico

Adoption Records

I was adopted by my step-father in the late 1970's. I am needing a copy fo the adoption papers to file for my ''certificate of degree of indian blood'' card. District Court has told me the records are sealed and I must have an attorney file an appearance and request the adoption be unsealed? Is this something I can do myself with a specific form, or do I have to obtain an attorney to enter an appearance with the court?


Asked on 8/16/06, 1:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

John Watson John Watson, Attorney at Law

Re: Adoption Records

When people tell you to get an attorney they do so for several reasons. First, the attorney knows where to look for the type of law addressing the issue you have; Second, the attorney can find the answer you seek in a short period of time; 3rd, the attorney knows how and why to ask particular questions of the judge. For these reasons you may be able to obtain the document you seek much more quickly than you would be able to do on your own. I have been practicing for many years and I do not know of a 'form' to obtain the document you seek. You may be able to view the forms available on lawguru.com and find something close to what you want but the reality is that it may need to be modified. An attorney would be able to modify such a form (if it exists) quickly and efficiently.

See my other posts on this bulletin board to find out about getting an attorney. There are ways to talk to attorneys and not spend lots of money. Often, the attorney will also tell you how to do certain tasks on your own in order to keep your costs at a managable level.

Good luck.

Law Guru

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Answered on 8/17/06, 12:10 am


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