Guide to Finding a Lost Sibling

Your sibling got divorced, moved abroad, or maybe you had an argument with them – sometimes, it can be so easy to lose touch with someone, even if you were very close. When you want to reunite with a lost family member, getting started can be a challenge. Reconnecting can be an emotional experience, so it’s best to first discuss it with your partner, friend, or another family member who can support you. Fortunately, there are many ways to look for people online these days. Here are some avenues that could prove fruitful in guide to finding a lost sibling. 

People Finders

People lookup services can help you find anyone you have lost touch with. These quick, smart search engines only require the person’s name, but obviously, you can also provide more information if you have it. This service thoroughly examines all publicly available records, including records of birth, marriage, and divorce. The first search is usually free or symbolically priced. 

Forums 

There are forums and community boards dedicated to helping people find relatives they’ve lost touch with. Members offer help and advice and share stories to help you better prepare for what lies ahead. 

Google Search 

Many public records are readily available on Google, as long as you take the time to look. What’s more, you don’t need 100% accurate details on your family member to do a search. Even using some basic information about them can help you find them. Of course, it’s easier to use a people finder because it will help you obtain this information more quickly and easily. 

To maximize the chances of a favorable outcome, you should start with the basics: birth records, marriage records, and death records. Then, you can move on to address history to see if they might have moved to another state or abroad. As you deepen your search, more and more details of their whereabouts will emerge. 

Genealogy Sites

Specialized portals exist to help family members reconnect and reunite. You can start a family tree or check the database to see if your sibling might have also registered on the site. You’ll be able to get in touch if they’re looking for you as well. 

Facebook 

If Google doesn’t prove as helpful as you had hoped, you can give Facebook a shot. You could also check groups your sibling was involved with. Try an online phone directory to locate their last address or the last town or city they lived in. In addition, you can reach out to any of their friends and other relatives to ask for information, both on social media and in real life, if possible. If their high school has an alumni association, you can also get in touch with them, as they often keep track of people. Moreover, you can check Facebook for any relevant high school organization your family member belonged to. 

The Salvation Army 

Some people report that the Salvation Army has helped them find long-lost loved ones. It’s definitely worth a shot. 

Professional Associations

You can try to find your sibling through professional associations related to their occupation. If they were a teacher, for example, you can get in touch with other teachers they may have been in contact with. Furthermore, they might assist you in placing an ad with a professional or trade association or create an occupation-relevant publication.

Miscellaneous 

The Mormons (Church of Latter-Day Saints) have maintained genealogical record data for many decades and are said to be quite willing to share it. You don’t have to be a member of the church to access this data. A small fee might be required, however.

The platform Zabasearch has also helped people find their loved ones. It might not work in cases of a name change, though. If your sister got married and changed her last name, for example, your search will be more challenging, but not impossible.