In a message dated 8/22/2005 9:04:14 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, SHASTA4737@aol.com writes: Hi, I've been trying to obtain adoption records in Hamilton County, Ohio. The clerk told me that they are sealed forever. Is this a new rule? I thought it was only for 75 years. This ancestor's adoption was about 1881. Also, I've tried to get a "lunacy" court record on one of my great grandfathers and was told that these are sealed forever also. The lunacy record is also from about 1881. Could someone tell me if this is Ohio law or are the clerks in error? Could different counties have different rules on adoption and lunacy records? Thanks for any help! Sincerely, Susan E. Davis This might be better discussed on OHIO-L, since it seems to pertain to all counties. Somebody there may be more knowledgeable. I would also suggest that you ask the clerk to provide you with the legal citation to support denial of your request. Doesn't the Open Records Law have some provisions for things like this? Wilson