How to Locate My Missing Family
Many individuals who have lost track of family members struggle with this absence. If you are haunted by the fact that you have lost touch with a once beloved relative, it may be wise to search for this member of your family unit. While finding a lost family member may seem nearly impossible, in truth the task can likely be accomplished with a bit of detective work and the exploration of an assortment of channels.
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Instructions
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Talk with family members to determine the last date of family contact. Knowing when the individual was last in touch with the family can help you determine how far back you need to begin your search. Don't assume that the last time you talked to this family member is the last time anyone did. Instead, speak to other family members about their last experiences with this lost person.
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Journal to track your efforts. By writing about the attempts you have already made, you can more effectively determine what worked and what didn't. You can also make it easier for others who are helping you search to learn what you have done so they can avoid replicating your attempts.
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Check the Social Security Death Index, a database that includes the names of many Americans who have died since 1962. While you likely don't want to imagine the possibility that this individual has expired, checking this resource first ensures that your time is not wasted looking for someone who, sadly, can no longer be found.
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Conduct an Internet search using the individual's name and any distinguishing characteristics. Use not only her legal name, but also nicknames or maiden name if applicable. Pair this name with things such as the college she attended, the name of an organization to which she once belonged, or a hobby that she once took part in. By doing so, you can narrow your search.
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Search public records. Conduct this search through the site listed in the resources section, or a similar search database. Searches of this type may help you see where the individual is currently transacting business, allowing you to narrow down your search area.
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Create a list of places you have reason to believe the missing family member may have gone. If he expressed interest in visiting a certain location, or once lived in another site, include these places on your list as it is possible that he may have ventured to one of these locations.
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Place newspaper ads. Pay for ads in the papers in cities on your list of places your missing family member may have gone. In these ads, make a plea directly to the individual in question, asking her to contact the family. Alternatively, you can appeal to others who may have information regarding her whereabouts.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit family image by pdesign from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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Ok here it is,,, I have not seen or hurd anything about my father. I would like to find him but it has been hard. Every damb place wants money money money I don't have much just a missing father for about 30 years now. I know crap happens I have no hard fealing agenst him His name is Allen o johnson I think he is about 63 years old or so last I knew he lived in massa arizona next to an a&w hurd he lives in eastern washington now if any one can help or may know him please get back to me I was born in 1973 his first kid please help me find my dad Thank you to anyone who may know.
