Where to Acquire and General Process

As part of any adoption records search, it is useful to first consider who might have access to these records to know where to begin. Exact policies on the organizations and types of people authorized to collect data on a child's birth parents differ from State to State, but most of the time, this information is compiled by a coordinating adoption agency.

When seeking specific identifying information about birth parents or adoptive parents, the adoption records search may also involve a formal request made to the court that presided over finalization of the adoption to release them. Once again, standards vary depending on the State in which the adoption process was completed. While a few states allow adoptees in particular to access this information freely upon reaching a certain age, finding adoption records in a majority of states will necessitate the individual providing a "good cause" (i.e. some health-related emergency) to view original medical histories and birth certificates.

Of course, an adoption records search may be hampered if not brought to a halt completely by birth parents' decisions to sign a disclosure veto preventing future access of their profiles. Conversely, though, finding adoption records may be expedited by the willful agreement of birth and adoptive parents to leave their records open for review.

In states where mutual consent registries are allowed, coordinating agencies may be facilitators for gaining approval of both parties to encourage an unrestricted flow of information. Applicants are still encouraged to review State statutes on what types of things may or may not be freely accessible beforehand, though, as all of the above is subject to their (the laws') discretion.

NEXT: Your Guide to Closed Adoption Records