I'm trying to find a half brother I never knew existed

Best web sites / seervices to use?

[Jane_Doe]

One of my aunts just spilled the beans over the holidays and I found out I have a half brother somewhere. Evidently one of my parents had a "previous relationship" many years ago. That parent is now deceased, so I don't have a whole lot of info to go on, but I thought I'd give finding my brother a go, just to pass along some family medical info, if nothing else.

I see a lot of web sites geared to finding lost relatives, but its hard to know which one are actually useful and worth the money.

If any body has been through this before and has any suggestions on web sites, forums, services, how to books, advice, etc. I'd appreciate any info.

Thanks.

[TryAgain]

Good luck finding John_Doe.

(Sorry, couldn't resist. ;))

[pendanticist]

Hey, Jane_Doe have thought of looking thru Google (or any other engines that have them) Groups? You can then dig for what folks may be saying 'about' those sites and go from there.

Here are a couple of sites which may be helpful.

http://www.cyndislist.com/ for geneology.

http://vitalrec.com/ vital records listing.

http://www.vitalcheck.com/ VitalCheck.

http://www.brbpub.com/ Public Record Sites listed.

Don't worry if these are where you've already been because NGs are not too prohibitive of posting links to those they feel are the good ones, so you'll find more.

Oh, your quest may have much better results if you can dig up any/all background information on all parties involved before you start looking around. Any SS#s etc., Employment history, any Military duty and so on.

The idea of collecting your tracable data first will go a long way in reducing any false listings or wild goose chases.

Best Wishes on your journey and may it be very, very fruitful. :)

If there is anything else you need, let us know.

[requiem]

I would recommend you to seek the help of a private detective with experience with these matters. I pro can do so much more in 20-30 hours then you would be able to do in 3000 hours. Leting a pro do it will save you a lot of money, time and heartacke. Much of the information you might need to access are not available thru the web, there are still piles of paper in the world.

The best of luck, everything that is lost is supposed to be found.

[pendanticist]

http://www.findpis.com/ might be a place to start.

Before that though, check out what you might expect to pay for them [google.com] according to Google.

[bcolflesh]

I've heard good things about this place - never used it though:

ussearch.com/consumer/index.jsp

[Jane_Doe]

Okay, thanks for all the tips. I'll check them out.

[pendanticist]

Be sure to let us know how it turns out for you.

[bcolflesh]

Yes, please give us a review of the service(s) you end up using.

[Slade]

I have a friend that's looking for info about her parents. We would also appreciate any knowledge you acquire.

[Jane_Doe]

Okay, I'll post again when I have something to report.