Sample Sibling Contact Letter

I wasn't sure how to approach you and decided writing a letter was the most comfortable way for me. I have wanted to speak to you for some time now and through the support and encouragement of my kids and some friends at Parent Finders, I now feel confident in sharing this with you.

For the past two years (between working full time) I have been searching for my birth family and my search has lead me to you. I have enclosed my background information regarding my family of origin.

I was born..........in..........and my birth name is...................I was adopted as an infant and raised in a happy home with an older brother. I have always wondered about my birth parents, whom I did not know. As well, I have always wondered about other children born to them.

As I watched my children grow up (they're in their early 20's now) I thought a lot about what traits and characteristics they inherited from me and "my side of the family." When you are adopted, you lose that connection and your family of origin remains a mystery.

I believe from the information that I have gathered that you may be a half brother of mine. This letter may alarm you a bit and it is difficult finding the right words to say. The information I have enclosed is private and personal and I do not want to upset anyone. I have intruded, but I couldn't let the rest of my life pass staying silent knowing I didn't try to reach you.

I hope you will give me the opportunity to speak with you. You can please call me collect as I live in............. I'm home from work usually by 6 in the evening. My phone number is ................ My address is.................

I don't know what else to say. I hope you will contact me and give us a chance to speak to one another.

Respectfully,

Reproduced with permission of author L. McCauley