There are dozens of important reasons to locate a missing relative. Adoptions, marriages, moves, crimes and time can all displace relatives. Whether you're living a situation you thought only happened on TV or simply trying to reconnect with a cousin you haven't seen since childhood, there are a multitude of agencies and resources designed to help you reconnect.
Step 1
Search public records. County clerks' offices keep track of marriage records, birth and death certificates, and property records. Search the counties you suspect your relative might live in or has lived in. Check to see if the counties have their records available online.
Step 2
Obtain military records to see if your missing relative was in the service. Use the National Archives online portal to request a DD Form 214 report, which is a record of separation from service duty, and certain medical and service records. You may not be able to receive some documents, as the request may depend on your relation to the soldier and the soldier's military assignment.
Step 3
Join adoption reunion databases if you were adopted or are looking for a relative who was. The International Soundex Reunion Registry in Las Vegas, Nevada, is the largest reunion registry on the web. Create a profile, and search records of people who might also be looking for you. If someone matching your information creates a profile, you will be notified.
Step 4
Search through social networking sites to find your missing relative. Sites like MySpace,Twitter and Facebook have millions of users. Create profiles and search for users who might be your relative or who might know your relative.
Step 5
Use a people search engine like PeopleSite.com, Zabasearch.com or The-Seeker.com. These sites provide information including names, addresses and birthdays, much like an Internet phone book, but more in-depth. Searching one name might yield five previous addresses, one of which might be current.
Step 6
Investigate genealogical research sites like Ancestry.com or Genealogy.com. While you might not find your relative immediately, you may find documents and connect with others who are looking for the same person.
Step 7
Contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children if your missing relative is a minor or was a minor at the time you lost touch. This agency could give you information about the last known whereabouts of your relative, as well as provide search tips.
Step 8
Hire a private investigator. If all other options fail, a private investigator might be able to crack the case. These professional people finders are pricey, so exhaust all your other options first.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep detailed records of every piece of information you find, no matter how small. It may prove invaluable later.
