How do you open adoption records of a parent who was adopted? Possible?

Question

I am a 32 yo woman whose father (born 1946, TN) was adopted. I am the only surviving member of my family. Both my mother and father have passed. I have no brothers and sisters and neither did either of my parents. My father is deceased as is most likely his parent(s) who gave him up for adoption. At this point, for various reasons, I would like to know if it possible to open such a record. Me being one removed from the adoption, do I have a legal right to do so? This is so important to me! Anyone out there with simple advice or maybe a pathway for me?

Answer 1

All states have their own laws regarding rights to adoption records.  Unless I'm missing something, I'm pretty sure you are in luck!  

http://tennessee.gov/youth/adoption/reco...

Since 1995, Tennessee laws states that an eligible person (the adopted person or power of attorney) has full rights to access birth files including sealed adoption records, post-adoption records, court records, adoption agency and Department of Health Vital records if the adoption occurred prior to March 16, 1951.

http://tennessee.gov/tccy/tnchild/36/36-...

36-1-138 Domestic Relations - Adoption

Court orders for the release of information:

Section C(7) If an adopted person is deceased, the lineal descendants may petition the court to be given access to the records.

For more information, call the office of Post Adoption Services at 615-532-5637.

Note:  In 1997, a bill was passed to allow access to records for adoptions after 1951, subject to provisions.

Answer 2

I think from your fathers birth date that you are in the US. This question I may have been able to help you with had you been in the UK. However, the US are more free with their information, than the UK, and you may be able to get some help from the people who deal with Social Security numbers in the US.

In the UK we have a department Called Social Services who  I believe are the equivalent to your Welfare dept. We have what we call social workers, who will if you ask for you own file if adopted councel you and then give you the relevant details and any contact names and addresses once the people have been contacted.

This may give you a clue as to which avenue to go down in the US. Alternatively, someone like Ted who answers questions on here may be able to help, as I believe he is in the US.

Sorry I cannot be of more help.

Answer 3

He is the only person who had the right to petition to reopen the adoption records. Since he is sadly gone, I'm afraid there is no way to reopen the records. It's unlikely that Tennessee would have reopened them without a really compelling need for the information (medical histories and organ transplants seem to be one of the few things they consider lately). But once he dies, there's nothing that can compel them to open the files again.

I'm really sorry for all of your losses. I wish there was more that could be done, but the laws are so strict on adoptions and the courts are so inflexible in most states. Good luck.

Answer 4

My mother was adopted, and finally about 12 years ago, New Zealand passed a new adoption act where adult adoptees were allowed to apply for their original birth records. My mother was very reluctant to get hers, althogh her adopted sister applied for hers immediately.

Anyway my mother did eventually get her original BC, and I have a copy of it, so I have finally been able to take her mothers side back to the 1600's in Cornwall. I cant do anything about her father, because his name is NOT on the birth certificate.

The point is that SHE had to be the one to apply. I (one generation removed) would not have been allowed to apply for her certificate. I dont know what the laws are in USA - but you may be out of luck.