Who can access adoption records?

Answer by  Christian9247 (5042)

Not just anyone can access these records. The Adoptee can obtain them at the age of 18 or under 18 with the written consent of their adoptive parents or guardian.

Answer by  Janus (45)

Records before Jan. 1 1964 are open record and can be accessed by filing request to the Dept. of Health or filing a petition in court. Hope that helps.

Answer by  DeborahSG (212)

Adoption records are open to both parties in many states. However, in these states, there can be restrictions. For a complete list, go to OmniTrace (first page; first listing on Google), which tells you in detail the requirements for each state in the U.S.A.

Answer by  GCgurl1188 (83)

Adoption records are confidential, so there is no way that just anyone can access them. Even if it was an open adoption, no one outside of yourself, the adoptive parents, and the child would have access. If it is closed then even less people have access.

Answer by  miler (77)

Unless you agreed to have an open adoption at the time, almost no one will be able to access the adoption records, even including the child. You can contact the court in the place the adoption took place and ask them what their policy is, but in general adoption records are not open to anyone.

Answer by  janeplowmanwindstreamnet (292)

The access to adoption records depends on which state you live in. Some states seal these records and even the adopted child cannot access them when they are eighteen. Some states allow the adult child to access these records. The laws are changing, but no state allows just anyone access to sealed records.

Answer by  diva25 (4016)

Only a limited number of people have access to them. You do and your child as well as his/her adopted parents do.