Need help finding my father

[lovesoon1207]

Just to give you some background information....when I was a toddler,I was placed in the protective care of my aunt because of problems between my biological parents.My mother has kept in touch with me.However,my father has disappeared.He used to keep in touch with me but about 10 years ago the letters and the calls stopped.When I was a teenager,I didn't want to know what happened to him but now I think I'm ready.I'm preparing myself for the fact that he might have passed away.

While going through some of my old papers the other day,I found some information regarding my father such as his social security number and his date of birth.I have no idea how to begin searching for him.The little bit that I do know is that he moved to Florida.When he used to write to me,he always used a PO Box.Plus,he moved around alot in Florida.

I would google him but his name is as common as John Smith.I've tried and I get well over a million hits.So googling isn't going to help.

I'm hesistant of using those people search sites that you pay 30 bucks and get a printout of their entire history because those could be scams.Does a reliable website exist that can give me accurate information?

Has anyone ever tried something like this before and can offer me some advice?Thanks in advance.

[winneythepooh7]

What about speaking to a private investigator? Just obtain info from one, doesn't mean you necessarily have to go through with one.....

[CityGal]

Searching through public records is free, so I would suggest starting there; however, the commoness of your dad's name will make it tough. If you know what county he was in or his middle name, it would probably be a lot easier.


The below is the link to Fla. State's public databases. It has information on deeds, marriage records, deaths, liens, etc. Give it a try, it's free. Most counties have their own databases, so locating those would be great.

https://www.myfloridacounty.com/serv/MyFloridaCounty/ORI/Order?thisPage=MyFloridaCounty.ORI.Order.state.Sta rt


Also, LexisNexis may help. They have a people search database, but this you have to pay for. Good Luck!

[mahlerssecond]

It may not be the most accurate at times, but I would give http://www.zabasearch.com a try. It doesn't cost anything to do a basic search.
Also I agree with looking through public records. Some states (I know Iowa does) put all of their criminal records, including traffic tickets online. I am not sure in FL what is public record, so talk to the folks at your courthouse, or your public library. They are always happy to help.
If it doesn't cause undo burden, or bring out hard feelings, I wouldn't be hesitant to talk to friends and relatives of you and your dad. That might bring out some information, as to where he is at.
Good luck :)

[mahlerssecond]

I just thought of something else. You can run an advertisement in your local classifieds or the paper of your father's hometown. Our local paper has a section in the classifieds for people looking for lost folks like biological parents, friends they lost touch with, etc. It might cost some money but might be worth a try.

[lovesoon1207]

Thanks everyone for the leads.I had no idea about the public databases.I'll let you know how it goes.Thanks. :)

[Dirty Sanchez]

Please be prepared for other things besides death - his not wanting anything to do with you, incarceration, being institutionalized, homelessness, etc.

I wish you all the best!

[Isadora]

Not all access to public records is convenient OR free.

I can help if you wish. I'm very familiar with research into FL public records due to my work.

If you are not comfortable posting it, PM me the zip code of his last known PO box or the name of the county if you know it. I'll forward you a link to the County Clerk's website. You can look up much public data there.

What's free varies by county, and what's publicly available varies also. In the county in which I grew up you can find even traffic citations. It's freaking ridiculous.

Good luck, and send me a PM if I can help.

Izzy