How do you have court adoption records unsealed?

Question

At the passing of my mother last year I found the court papers of my given birth name. The adoption records were sealed.

Whats the process to find birth parents names?

Answer 1

As you can see from a couple of the answers here we adoptees quickly learn that confiding in others – those who haven’t walked in our shoes, can be anything from disappointing and disheartening to utterly discouraging and devastating.

Please don't let the naysayers discourage you.  It is perfectly natural for you to want to know the truth of your origins and it can be done perfectly legally, antiquated sealed records laws or not

People would be better able to guide you if you stated which area you were born in, since, like everything in adoption, the rules and goalposts move from state to state

I wish you all the best

Answer 2

From what I understand, it depends on the state in which you live. If you do a quick google search for "unsealing of adoption birth certificate" or a variation of that, you might find information on signing petitions and ect., to get the laws changed in your state. I live in Michigan and we are getting close to having the laws changed. I think it's cruel and useless to have them sealed and I'm not even adopted. Adoptees should have the right to see their records if they choose to. I can see mine, why can't you?

I hope my earlier advice was helpful to you.

Answer 3

the "good cause" clause has not been spelled out.  What one judge may see as "good cause" another may see as b.s.   What are your reasons for searching?  if it's just wanting to know, then no, it's probably not going to be opened.

if it's medical, it's not a guarantee it'll be opened; they may do a CI search for the bparents and get updated records for you.

if you really want to search, nothing is stopping you.  there are lots of legitimate, reasonably priced places that will do searches for you.

Answer 4

I'm sorry you can't , it's a done deal . Just leave it alone .

Answer 5

Depends on the state you live in - but usually judges don't budge on sealed adoption records if they are (by law) supposed to remain sealed.

As for searching - here are some ideas -

First - add your details to the registries here

http://www.isrr.net/

http://registry.adoption.com/

Check for information on your state records here -

http://adopteerights.net/

(click on the page marked 'Searchers' down the left hand side)

Check here for search help - and links to search angels -

http://www.adoptioncrossroads.org/

And check here for any support - it's the best online forum for adoptees I've found -

http://www.adultadoptees.org/

All the very best with your search.

Answer 6

Simple, you can't. I have tried. My birth mother, adoptive parents and I together tried to get the records unsealed. It is not happening.