March 18, 2024
Whether you have just learned you are adopted, or you have known your whole life, the decision to search for your adoption records can open a new world of information. In most states, records are not for public view. It has long been believed that keeping records private protects the child, the biological parents, the adoptive parents, and any others involved in the adoption process.
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However, there are many important reasons why an adoptee might want to access their records. Insight into the medical history of their biological family and the desire to connect with their birth parents are at the top of the list.
The question of how to find adoption records has multiple answers. It can be a complex process, but with determination and the right resources, it is sometimes possible to access your birth records and adoption information.
Can You View Adoption Records Online?
Many online resources claim they can help you find adoption records. Some are advertised as free but charge a significant payment to access these records. Searching “how to find my adoption records” can result in dozens of ads but very little useful information.
The road to discovering your adoption history can be difficult, frustrating, and sometimes disappointing. If you search adoption records, you may need to accept that there will be many obstacles along the way. However, even with the complications, the hunt for adoption information is worth the effort. The internet allows quick access to information and lets you connect with distant relatives who can help with your search.
Who Can Obtain Adoption Records?
Because adoption records are typically sealed after the adoption is finalized, not everyone can access them. Those who are eligible to view records include:
- The adoptee
- The birth parents
- The adoptive parents
So, can you view adoption records online? Yes, but only if you meet the requirements of the state that holds the records. Most states require that an adoptee be over 18, or in some cases 21, to view sealed adoption records.
Non-Identifying vs. Identifying Information
Understanding the difference in non-identifying and identifying information will make your search easier. Non-identifying information is usually given to the adoptive parents at the time of the adoption. It is information that, while valuable, does not name or provide specific information that identifies the biological parents.
All states in the U.S. allow adoptive parents and adoptees who have reached the age of 18 to access non-identifying information. Most states require a written request. Around half of all states allow birth parents to view non-identifying information about an adopted child. This information is usually limited to the health or social history of the child.
Identifying information includes details like names, job history, and addresses that reveal a person’s identity. With the person’s permission, most states will release this data. You can also obtain this information through a court order.
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How to Find Adoption Records
The internet provides a wealth of information, but not all of it is useful. If you’re wondering how to find adoption records online when there is so much information to sift through, you’re not alone. Starting with a genealogy site can simplify the process.
Adoption records are not typically available on genealogy sites, but there are records you can access that will help in your search. Newspapers, U.S. military records, obituaries, and other genealogy records can provide information that can lead to the answers you’re looking for.
Gather Information
Start by collecting information from family and close friends. Some people have good reasons to keep their search for adoption records private. However, if possible, the best place to start is by gathering information from immediate family members, extended family, and close family friends.
Even if your relatives don’t know your biological parents, they can offer clues like dates, places, and family names that might help. These clues could unlock new discoveries, including the meaning behind your surname.
Check with a State Agency
Your state may have an adoption reunion registry to help your search. Contact your local county clerk’s office for information on how to find closed adoption records. Unsealed adoption records may be available through the public court. Your state’s Department of Social Services may also be able to provide information.
Search Birth Announcements
Birth announcements on genealogy sites serve as excellent resources. Adoption doesn’t prevent the recording of a person’s birth in local announcements. Also, adoptions don’t always occur at birth. Biological parents might have marked your birth with a traditional announcement. Similarly, if adoptive parents made an announcement, it could reveal new information.
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Look through Government Publications
Military service records, immigration records, orphanage records, and voter registration records are just some of the government publications that can provide information. A comprehensive newspaper archive can also offer pieces to the puzzle.
Search Census Records
You can get help from a genealogist to have family trees explained. Census records provide valuable information such as:
- Names
- Approximate birth years
- Marital status
- Birthplaces
- Relationships
- Employment
- Immigration
- Homeownership
A census record can help you locate neighbors and extended family members who might be able to shed light on your birth or adoption.
Find Your Family History with GenealogyBank
Once you have decided that learning about your adoption is a priority, how to find your adoption records becomes the next challenge. Signing up with GenealogyBank can help with your search. We provide access to billions of genealogy records, including newspapers and U.S. military records, that can reveal crucial details about your adoption history.
By joining GenealogyBank, you can uncover fascinating and significant information about your biological family’s history. Whether seeking connections to your biological family or aiming to piece together your ancestry, GenealogyBank can serve as a helpful guide in navigating the vast ocean of genealogy records. You can also get valuable search tips and resources to help fill in the blank spots on your family tree.
Get started today and take the first step toward unlocking the stories of your past!
Explore over 330 years of newspapers and historical records in GenealogyBank. Discover your family story! Start a 7-Day Free Trial
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Most states will NOT release identifying information about adoptions. This article gives false hope that it is EASY to obtain adoption records. Currently only 15 states have unrestricted access to the adoptees’ original birth certificate by law. Without legal authority neither adoptees nor birth parents are allowed access to the adoption records. Many other states have legislation (some pending), but many with restrictions such as adoptees’ age, adoptive parent approval, birth parent approval, etc. prior to the release.
As a birth parent myself, who searched and found my daughter 25 years ago, believe me, it is NOT EASY to get adoption records. I still do not have any official records of my daughter’s surrender. As an amateur Search Angel of many adoptee searches, I know first hand how difficult it is.
Thanks for this important advice and for relating your personal experiences, Kathy. To be fair, the article does state: “The road to discovering your adoption history can be difficult, frustrating, and sometimes disappointing. If you search adoption records, you may need to accept that there will be many obstacles along the way. ” I think it’s a stretch to say that “This article gives false hope that it is EASY to obtain adoption records.” However, I have made changes to the article to emphasize the point you make so well: it is not easy, and requires a lot of work.