frequently asked questions
Listed below are questions that we encounter often - please consult the list prior to contacting Mary, as the answer to your question(s) is/are likely here. Click on the question to display the answer. There is one question we get more than any other: How do I proceed?
1. Do you give out our address or any personal information?
We use our searcher's contact information for reply. They send their information in a cover letter on top of your letter. Thus, your family would reply to someone in Russia. You may request to give them your contact information, if you so choose. We will not share it otherwise.
2. How do I find my child's siblings?
This is an entirely different process from locating the families. We will be happy to make three-way calls to Russia in order to find your child's siblings. Approximate cost is $50-100, depending on the number of phone calls required to locate the sibling.
3. Can I please call you and/or talk to you in person?
Sure, we can set a time. I am on the West Coast of the US.
4. Who are your searchers?
Our searchers are Russian journalists. They travel in person to meet the families. We combine families from the same cities in the US and do searches. The families share the travel cost of the searcher, where possible.
5. Do you make money with the translation fee? Are we able to translate ourselves?
Mary does not speak Russian. The translation fee goes to the Russian searchers. We have searchers spread across all eleven time zones of Russia. They charge a "mail handling fee of $10", plus the postage & return postage.
6. Are we able to email you updated photos of our children to give to their birthmother?
Yes, we have actually decided to require it for new searches. Instructions will be included in the email you receive upon ordering a search. If your search has been completed, please contact Mary.
7. Is it possible to get photos of our children when they were young, if they exist?
The journalist will meet the Russian family and shoot photos of them, and any old family photos, as available.
8. How do I get the money to you to pay for the translation, postage and ink fees?
You will send me a PayPal (or check) and then I send it to the searcher via Western Union. We reduce money transfer fees by grouping orders. Russia has not yet developed a viable checking system.
9. What information is required to order a search?
In general - the more, the better. Required information is: date of adoption application; type of search (sibling, birthmother, etc.); date of adoption; and original city/country (if not Russia) of adoption. Searches are made much easier, and thus more successful, if you have any of the following: orphanage name, number, or Director; birthmother or birthfather name, date of birth, address or passport number; and sibling name(s) and/or date(s) of birth.
10. What if we do not have the name and/or address of the birthmother/father?
If you have an address, it's golden. If you do not, we have a Russian detective with whom we work and whose work is quite effective.
11. What other documents/information are required to order a search?
Anything you may have been told verbally that would help locate your Russian family. When possible, send a scan of the Russian document relating to relinquishment or social info. Also, a letter from you and/or your family telling of your child's great life and opportunities, as well as a photo of your child (no more than 3, please). All photos and/or documents should be in .jpg or .doc format.
12. What if the search is unsuccessful? Will I be charged?
A $60 deposit is required if you do not have an address. If we are not successful in locating your family, there is no additional charge. This price structure also applies for incorrect addresses or for those families who have moved from their previous address. If we find them, the 'no address' charges are assessed. If we do not, only the $60 deposit will be due.
13. How do I get my data after a full contact search?
Your report is translated and emailed to you, with photos. At that time the balance is due for your search.