{"id":351574,"date":"2018-12-03T13:46:43","date_gmt":"2018-12-03T18:46:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/adoption\/how-to-get-your-adoption-records.html"},"modified":"2023-06-23T12:34:10","modified_gmt":"2023-06-23T17:34:10","slug":"how-to-get-your-adoption-records","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/adoption\/how-to-get-your-adoption-records.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Get Your Adoption Records"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How to Get Your Adoption Records<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lisa Burden, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Most adoption records are closed after the court finalizes the adoption. This is to protect the privacy of all parties.  The process for obtaining the records varies depending on the state where the adoption took place. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Adoption records are removed from public review after finalizing an adoption in almost all states. However, most states have procedures allowing adoptees to obtain adoption information. These procedures are in place so parties to an adoption may obtain both non-identifying and identifying information from an adoption<\/a> record while protecting the privacy and parental rights of those involved in the adoption proceeding.<\/p>\r\n

There are many reasons why an adoptee would want access to their adoption records. Some seek contact information for the birth parents to get to know them. Some adoptees want insight into their biological family’s medical information.<\/p>\r\n

Read on to learn more about how to get your birth records and the type of information available to you.<\/p>\r\n

Do Biological Parents Have to Consent or Sign a Waiver?<\/h2>\r\n

It’s common to close adoption records <\/a>after the adoption is final. In a typical adoption, the original birth certificate is revised after finalizing the adoption. The names of the biological parents are dropped, and the names of the adoptive parents are added. A certified copy of the amended birth certificate is then provided to the adoptive family. The original birth certificate is placed in the adoption file and sealed permanently.<\/p>\r\n

However, some states leave this information open at the request of the biological parents. Many states have a mutual consent adoption registry. This is a listing of birth parents, adult adoptees, and birth siblings who are open to future contact. Illinois has an adoption registry<\/a>, which is a service of the Illinois Department of Public Health. If both parties consent, the adoptee and birth parents can learn about each other. California, Maryland, and New York also have mutual consent registries.<\/p>\r\n

The adoption registry might also include a medical information exchange. The medical information exchange will include medical and psychological information that the birth parents have provided.<\/p>\r\n

Other states use an affidavit system. Members of the birth family can file consent for the release of identifying information via a waiver or authorization form.<\/p>\r\n

Getting Adoption Records From State Agencies<\/h2>\r\n

Adoption records might also be available from state social services and human services agencies that provide adoption services. For example, adopted youth who were in foster care in Illinois can contact the Department of Child and Family Services<\/a> for adoption records.<\/p>\r\n

If you can’t access information through a mutual consent registry and your adoption wasn’t handled by a local child welfare agency, you may have to seek a court order. The order will permit access to the vital records regarding your adoption.<\/p>\r\n

Who Can Obtain Adoption Records?<\/h2>\r\n

Courts generally seal birth records after finalizing an adoption. But the records may be accessed if someone eligible to obtain the records takes proper steps. Typically, only certain people can access sealed adoption records. They are:<\/p>\r\n