When obtaining adoption records, you may need to meet with a judge.
Though most states keep adoption records sealed from the public, people directly linked to the adoption can often obtain vital records for legal or health reasons. Provided you follow the right steps, you can get the necessary records for an adoption case that is directly linked to you or a family member.
Instructions
1. Identify your state’s governmental body in charge of handling adoption records. Though some basic regulations exist at the federal level, states have the most authoritative power regarding adoption records. PublicRecordsInfo.com provides state-by-state website and telephone listings for governmental bodies in charge of adoption records.
2. Contact your state’s appropriate governmental body to obtain the necessary forms. There may be a small filing fee. The form will require you to furnish identification. If this identification does not show that you are the birth parent, adopted parent, or an adoptee who is at least 18 years old, then most states will require additional proof that you need the adoption records. For additional proof that you need these records, you'll need to show a direct link to the adoption case through a will, lease, court report, doctor's note or other document.
3. Acquire legal proof that you need the adoption records. If the adoption has been finalized, then proof is almost always required for people who are not directly related to the case. Additionally, according to the Child Welfare Information Gateway, nearly all states will withhold "identifying information" after an adoption is finalized. Identifying information includes any details that could be used to identify the specific name or current residence of the birth parents. However, nonidentifying adoption records are still available to lawyers, relatives and other interested parties. Proof that you need these records can come in the way of a doctor’s written request for additional family history information, or a court case or other legal dispute related to the adoption. If you do not have documentation of your need for adoption records, then you may need to argue your case before a judge.
4. Hire a lawyer if you are required to argue your case before a judge. Even though a professional lawyer can be expensive, it will help increase the chances for successfully arguing the case. To strengthen your reasons for the adoption records, you may want to call witnesses who can attest to your need. If your entire case is built on your own testimony, then the judge will be less likely to release the nonidentifying adoption records.
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