I really need some help finding out information on my familys backround, please

Question:

I really need some help finding out information on my familys backround, please help?

I have one full blooded sister and 5 or 6 half brothers 1 whom I have spoke with over the last year and not lately and never had contact with the others. My father passed away Sept. 1987 and he was adopted and I don't rember my grandma(his adopted mother) and she passed shortly after that. My sister and I and my brothers were not mentoined in his obit. Have never had anything that belonged to him. My heart is empty and somewhat broken. When looking in the mirror it is hard not knowing where you came from. I know his birth name was ash and adopted as Mills. If any one could give a little advice I would with great thanks and God bless to you.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Different places have differing policies on adoption records, not to mention that some are not agency adoptions. You won't be certain until you do a bit of digging.
Sounds like you do have the initial key that many don't... you have the birth surname. That indicates to me that it is possible the birth mom was known to someone in the family. This is similiar to my son in laws adoption, which was "friend of a friend of a relative". In other words, there was knowledge, which may still be out there. Did Grandma have siblings? They (or their children) might be able to help you. Not being mentioned in Dad's obit is not a friendly sign (to say the least), but that does not prevent you from trying to make contact. Your efforts could be the "olive branch".
Another approach to consider is to research both lines. For the ones who are biological Mills descendents, it shows you respect that bond (even if not his birth line) AND opens some interest. Even though I know and am working son in law's bio line, I have pulled up info on the adoptive family. Keeps lines of communication open, if you know what I mean.
Start out by looking at some of the how to research files, such as at www.cyndislist.com or www.rootsweb.com. Cyndi's is a great reference point, including a large section of adoption links.