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Expert Advice Needed! 1st cousin became a ward of the state at age of 4 in Chicago? Help?

Es3kc
Es3kc ✭
September 22 in Social Groups

Juvenile records are sealed. My aunt passed away 2 months after a custody hearing with Cook county juvenile court. Court hearing was in April 1976, she passed in June 1976. My aunt was 13 years older than all of my aunts, uncles, and mother. Grandparents/great grandparents were deceased before he was born.

None of my immediate family ever had contact with their eldest sister, my aunt. I recently found her death certificate and the circuit court newspaper posting to discover that my family has a nephew/cousin we have never met that would be 54, if still alive today.

I have the posting from the Chicago Tribune, his birthdate, my aunt's birth date, my aunts ssn, but I am unable to find anything.

We honestly don't know if he was adopted, but in foster care or went to a group home, which at 4 would be too young we believe.

Chicago attorney says even if we hire a lawyer and prove relationship, it is very unlikely a judge would unseal these records AND that in 1976 nothing was digitized, so it would be a long wait potentially to get the results of the court case.

Anyone have any advice?

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Comments

  • Áine Ní Donnghaile
    Áine Ní Donnghaile ✭✭✭✭✭
    September 22

    Hi @Es3kc
    I know I suggested that you post here in Mid-West States. It's usually a good idea to include a link to your original post so that those helping don't repeat the same work.

    Gordon's advice is particularly important, I think.

    https://community.familysearch.org/en/discussion/181860/expert-advice-needed-1st-cousin-became-a-ward-of-the-state-at-age-of-4-in-chicago-help

    Again, best of luck with your search.

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