I have been assisting a family member with their genealogical research. It has been difficult because two adoptions had occurred in the family and gaining access to the records can be quit cumbersome and difficult. Here is the most recent challenge A family member had recently requested and purchased a certified copy of a Death Certificate from the state of Florida. The main reason for doing this wasn't just for genealogical reasons but also medical reasons. The deceased is the biological father; however, he gave his children up for adoption to their stepfather. The children were raised by the biological mother and adoptive father. The children are concerned because the biological father died fairly young and would like to know if there are any medical conditions they should be concerned about. The state of Florida will only issue A DEATH WITHOUT A CAUSE CERTIFICATE to the family because they are no longer considered his children. I know when I have purchased Death Certificates for genealogical purposes the cause of death is always listed. Most of my research has been in Ohio. Do the laws vary from state to state? What about all of the adoptive children out there who have no connection to their biological family's medical history?

Vicki Mackie wrote: > I have been assisting a family member with their genealogical research. It > has been difficult because two adoptions had occurred in the family and > gaining access to the records can be quit cumbersome and difficult. > Some jurisdictions have distributed copies of their films to other entities. Examples are the local library or historical society, state university, or LDS. An obituary might provide a clue as to cause of death. Personally, I don't think sharing adoption status information with records clerks is a wise idea. Complete strangers don't need that information to do their jobs. -- Marty Cassidy Seattle, WA USA

Vicki, Contact the funeral home, they should have a copy of the death certificate in the file that lists the cause of death. You should also be able to get a contact of next of kin, etc. from the funeral home. If you need to get a recorded copy of the surrender of parental rights by the father, go to the web site for the county in which it was done. You can pull up anything under the father's name and print it out. On the death certificate, who provided the information? If it is a family member or friend, call them. Denise