How can I find my mom and should I?

Here's the scenario: My parents divorced before I was a year old. They (my dad's parents) brag about how they worked so hard to run her off. I'm about to change my entire name and she definately won't be able to find me then. I've tried one online place that charged 50.00 and gave me the address of a famous person with the same first name and a reminder that they have no garuntees and no refunds. What a waste of time and cash! Is there any group that will help me find an estranged divorced parent? She wouldn't dare try to contact me as long as I'm living within a hundred miles of him. He has some serious issues with women. He tried to kill me once.