This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/RAB.2ACI/2850 Message Board Post: Hi fellow genealogists! I’m a fanatic genealogist just like you are. This is kind of long, but well worth reading! I have found a way to use FOIA to request records that actually results in getting records! In my every day professional legal work I use the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) to acquire records from all areas. The FOIA is a tool that is available to everyone. The request is free but it can be very confusing. You have to know where to send it, you have to have the right request form, a properly worded letter, you have to know what type of information they need to get you what you are looking for. You cannot just send in a generic "find this" request. Using the proper request on the proper form with a properly worded letter you will get the documentation you are seeking. I received 84 pages in the first probate request, two weeks later, an additional 124 pages. All stuff they copied from microfiche. At $ .10 per page. Some of these records went back to 1838! I will send you the forms (both State and Federal), with directions, the request letter, what you need to send them in terms of specifics, if you have them, or if not, some ideas on where and how to find them. I have charted each State’s statutes and codes that you will need to reformat the request form for the State you are sending the request to. For those of us who have been unable to get to an out-of-town location or to afford a researcher it's great. My email is genealogyprincess@hotmail.com or klawler@batorberlin.com. Don’t use the email this posting was sent from. While I have received hundreds of emails from people thanking me for this information, one or two bad apples have managed to keep having my email deactivated. So try to contact me via email if you have questions, but if it doesn’t work, please know that I am still here and you can contact me at the snailmail address below or, hopefully, the two email addresses listed above. I am really sorry for this inconvenience. In fact, if you are interested in receiving this information, just follow the directions below. I will be glad to help anyone with any additional information or reformatting the forms for other states, other data requests, etc. Any other more involved requests for help, I will send a form. I am requesting $6.58 for paper, copying, staples, gas, large envelope and postage costs. These are reimbursement costs. This package of information is 22 pages -- and I had no idea this would be responded to in such huge numbers (!!). I wish these darn board administrators understood that! Anyway, if you’re interested, send $6.58 in cash or check [Kathy Lawler] to Genealogy Princess, 20757 Camden Square, #210, Lathrup Village, MI 48076 or use my Paypal [checking] for $7.00 to Genealogyprincess2000@yahoo.com. Either way, don’t forget your address!! I will send you the information the very day I receive your address and funds. Lastly, additional information, new ways I can come up with to use FOIA will be sent to you free of charge and I’ll also be happy to answer any questions you may have. Thanks! Kathleen Lawler

To All List Members. >From time to time there will be messages like this one slip through the mail block from the list. >> [KYADAIR] Freedom of Information Assistance KathyLaw@yahoo.com wrote: This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/RAB.2ACI/2850 Message Board Post: << Please note I have no control over this kind on posts on the message board. The messages that are posted on the Adair County Ky. Message Board is Gateway to the KYADAIR Mail List which means that all posts are sent to the KYADAIR List. The message above that came through the mail block to our list. I have checked both emails that was with the message and that person email addresses is not on the list. I also checked the below URL [Link] and the message had been deleted. If you wish to contact the provider of the List "Rootsweb.com" you may. However they most likely are aware of these messages, If you are on other "Rootweb.com" lists most likely you have seen some of these there also. Best Regards, Carlis B. Wilson, List Admin. --------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail Plus - Powerful. Affordable. Sign up now