Possible to get adoption paperwork from years ago?

[maneki]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? I was adopted in Connecticut

When I was 4 years old my adoption was final. My mother recently passed away and a lawyer friend of mine suggested I need to check my adoption paperwork to see if there were any clauses regarding inheritance. I have never seen my adoption paperwork, all I have is the altered birth certificate showing my adopted mom instead of my birth mom. The adoption took place 37 years ago in CT, I lived in New Haven county so I assume it was done in that county, no clue what lawyer handled it all. I have no contacts with anyone on that side of the family who would have any information either. Is it possible to get a copy of the adoption paperwork, and if so, how? Thanks.

Edited to add: If it makes any difference, my paternal grandmother is the one that adopted me so it was all in the family.

 

[ecmst12]

If you're talking about your biological mom, there wouldn't be any clauses in your adoption papers. If bio mom wanted to leave you something, she would have had to write it in a will. Your adoptive mom is your only legal mother and the only mother you would inherit from if she died intestate.

 

[maneki]

Sorry, I guess I wasn't clear. It was my adopted mother that passed away. My birth mother is still living.

 

[ecmst12]

I'm very sorry for your loss.

If your adoptive mom didn't leave a will, you would inherit from her the same as any biological child would (including your bio mom I guess). You don't need any adoption papers for that, your post-adoption birth certificate proves the relationship.

 

[maneki]

Thank you. Unfortunately it's not as easy as not leaving a will. She did, but didn't mention me at all, and the family on that side are deliberately pushing me out (long story). When I was discussing this with my lawyer friend she said it's a long shot but that there may be some provision in the adoption that would assist in figuring everything out. There's a lot more going on with the whole will, estate, etc and I'm just trying to put everything together that might help at all.