I recently received an inquiry from the uncle of a newly-discovered adult adoptee who had searched and identified his biological mother via 23andMe. The question was why his sister (the birth mom) had at first been excited that her biological son had been found, but then changed.

Adopted and interested in starting a search? We’ve gathered more detailed information for you here and identified places to go for more. Two paths—the DNA-first route and the records-first route—are the main paths adoptees use today to begin a search for biological relatives.

Online courses are a great way to learn about topics you want to understand better at a pace that fits your life. You might have all the books you need, but a structured lesson plan that can go with you wherever you are is sometimes better than a full bookshelf.

Are you hoping to locate biological family via records search, DNA testing, or possibly both?