My father was born in CA. When he was young (about 5) his mother re-married and he was adopted by his step-father. This actually happened two generations in a row. My father is now deceased (2005) and I want to know if I can get a copy of the original birth record identifying his birth father. I already know who it is, and he is deceased as well (1960's). This is for genealogy. Do I need to petition the courts? And if so what does that entail? Can it be done with a letter or form?