How to Find a Relative

It's easy to become more distant with family members. Often, individuals lose touch over the years and before you know it, you have no working contact details and have no idea how to get in touch with someone. Below, you'll learn some helpful steps for how to find a relative.

Instructions

1. Speak with other family members. Asking other family members if they have newer contact details, such as a phone number or address for the relative you're trying to get in touch with. Ask them to let you know if they find that information in the future.

2. Search online for your relative. There are many free ways that you can search online for your relative, like zabasearch.com. You don't have to register to find recent phone numbers and addresses for individuals. Enter the name of your relative and the state you think they live in---you'll receive listings within a few seconds. Try 411.com as well. Also, try social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace---since many people have accounts.

3. Call information or 411. Give your relative's name and the last state or town he lived in. The dispatch can tell you whether they have any listings with that name. Try names of others who are related to that person---such as their parents, spouses or other family members.

4. Contact the Social Security Administration. If there is a valid reason for finding this relative---such as an inheritance or death, the social security administration may help you. It will not give you phone numbers or addresses, but will forward letters that you send, for a small fee. Contact the national social security administration at 1-800-772-1213.