How to Open Adoption Records [What to Know as an Adult Adoptee]
If you are an adult adoptee who grew up part of a closed adoption, it is natural to have questions about your birth parents and biological family history. One of the best ways to get answers to those questions is by accessing your adoption records.
This guide provides the information you need to know about adoption records and how they can help you in your search for information about your biological parents and family.
Each state has its own laws about how to access records and what information is readily available. This can make obtaining adoption records challenging.
Although this guide provides information on how to get sealed adoption records unsealed, to ensure you fully understand and follow the legal process, you will want to discuss your specific situation with an adoption attorney.
They will walk you through the process and help provide the assistance needed to open sealed birth records from your adoption.
Continue reading this guide to learn more about unsealing your adoption records and how they help you find information about your biological parents and adoption.
What are Adoption Records?
Every adoption in the United States has what are called "adoption records." These records include identifying information about the birth parents, including:
Obtaining your adoption records can be very beneficial in your search for your birth parents, but in most states, closed adoption records are sealed after an adoption is finalized. Nearly every state has laws in place that permit the release of identifying information, provided the birth parents have consented to the release of the identifiable information.
If consent is not on file with the state, the information may not be released without a court order and reasonable cause to release the information.
As an adoptee seeking a court order, you must be able to display clear and convincing evidence to support your request. Access to this information isn't always restricted just to birth parents and adoptees.
Many states allow biological siblings of adoptees to seek and release identifying information upon mutual consent, which can sometimes lead to adoptees finding their birth parents based on sibling information.
While each state will vary on the process of how to unseal adoption records, as an adoptee, you will always have access to what they call non-identifying information.
Although these details do not provide any specific information about your birth parents or family, having this information can provide peace of mind.
Whether through identifiable or non-identifiable information, adoption records are a great place to start if you are looking for details about your adoption and birth parents.
To learn more about accessing adoption records, speak with an adoption counselor. They will have the information and resources you need to begin looking for your records.
How to Open Your Adoption Records
Once you determine you are ready to find your sealed adoption records, you will need to begin the process of opening them. If you were adopted from a state with closed adoption records, it doesn't necessarily end your adoption search, the process may be more of a challenge.
Although every adoption situation is unique, these are the general steps towards how to get your sealed adoption records unsealed. Discussing the specific rules and laws in your state with a licensed adoption attorney is recommended.
They will know the process and help ensure you are making all of the appropriate actions to get access to your adoption records.
What to Consider When Accessing Adoption Records
If you are considering opening your sealed adoption records, it is essential that you approach this situation with an open mind.
Although this information may be a great starting point towards finding and potentially meeting your birth parents, there is a chance that the outcome may be different than you envision.
Prepare yourself for situations like:
Obtaining your adoption records can spark an abundance of different feelings and thoughts. If you feel this is a necessary piece of your life and you need to find information about your adoption and birth parents, keeping an open mind will benefit everyone involved.
If you need help along the way, adoption counselors will guide you along the way.
Disclaimer
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