How to Open Adoption Records

Each state has its own laws regarding open and sealed adoption records. Once an adoptee turns 18, she can try to access her adoption records, and likewise her birth parents may try to contact her. However, one party cannot access the records unless the other party has signed a release of their contact information. If you are an adopted child searching for your birth parents, or you have given a child up for adoption, there are some ways you can try to open sealed adoption records.

Visit your state's department of health and family services, or the agency that oversees adoptions and vital records. Check to make sure the url ends in ".gov" or your state's two-letter abbreviation. Here you will find all of the adoption laws that apply to you, and information on how to access sealed records.

In most states, sealed records can only be opened with a court order. To obtain a court order, you need a valid and pressing reason to request information. Mere curiosity is insufficient. If the birth parents are deceased, you may be able to access original birth certificates and adoption records. If you suspect that the biological father was not informed about the adoption, you may be able to open the records to contact him.

Many states have a registry where adopted people, birth parents, and biological siblings can submit their information. If the computer database finds a match, the state registry will contact both parties to help them connect. To increase your chances of finding relatives, interested parties should register as soon as they turn 18.

Some states have a registry where birth parents can choose to release their medical history only, but no contact information. Check with your state's department of health and human services.

Check local newspaper archives for birth or wedding announcements that coincide with the birth of the adopted person. You may be able to find names of relatives.

Put your information on forums and bulletin boards dedicated to reuniting birth parents and children. Be careful not to post too much information about yourself, or you may become a victim of identity theft. You can contact people who may have known or lived near the birth parents. Be persistent and keep track of all the information you uncover. A private investigator can help you find a person who has moved frequently.