Arkansas Adoption Records
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Accessing Arkansas Adoption Records
In 2018, Arkansas implemented a new law that allows adoptees to unseal their adoption records once they turn 21. While the law provides a way to access Arkansas adoption records, it also comes with red tape, including notary requirements and a fee.
If you want an easier way to reunite with your biological relatives, Adopted.com can help. We offer a voluntary adoption reunion registry where adoptees, birth parents, and others impacted by adoption can connect very quickly.
To join our registry, you don’t need to get a form notarized or pay a fee. All you need to do is answer ten simple questions that most people know about the adoption.
Our registry spans the state of Arkansas, from Fayetteville to Little Rock and everywhere in between. We offer a safe, secure way to reconnect with your birth family. Register for free today to join a community where reunions happen every day.
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3,229 Are Adoptions in Arkansas Open?
Yes, Arkansas allows families to arrange open adoptions. In an open adoption, the adoptive family knows the birth parents’ identities. One or both birth parents may even have ongoing communication with the adopted child, such as phone calls or face-to-face visits.
However, the official adoption files are sealed even in an open adoption. You cannot access the adoption records unless you’re an adoptee over 21 years old.
How Do I Get My Original Birth Certificate if I Was Adopted in Arkansas?
Your original birth certificate is part of your adoption file. You can get this document by submitting a written request to the Arkansas Department of Health if you’re over 21. When you receive your original birth certificate, it will be marked “not intended for official use.”
Arkansas allows birth parents to redact their names from an adoptee’s original birth certificate. If one or both of your birth parents have asked to keep their identities confidential, their names will be removed from the copy you receive.
How to Unseal Adoption Records in Arkansas
Adoptees in Arkansas can request their adoption files once they’re 21 years old. You must complete a form from the Arkansas Department of Health to unseal your adoption records. You’ll need to provide proof of your identity, such as a driver’s license. You’ll also need to have the form notarized.
If an adoptee has passed away, their surviving spouse, child, or child’s guardian can also request their adoption records. You’ll need to complete the same form and include proof of your identity. You’ll also need to submit your own birth certificate and notarized documentation of your relationship to the adoptee. A marriage or birth certificate can satisfy this requirement.
For all requests, there’s a $100 fee to access adoption files. You can submit a check or money order to the Arkansas Department of Health with your mailed application.
How Do You Access Arkansas Public Adoption Records?
Arkansas adoption records aren’t public, and you can only access them if you’re an adoptee or the spouse, child, or child’s guardian of an adoptee who has passed away. If you don’t fall into one of those categories, you’ll need a court order to unseal adoption records in Arkansas.
While the state limits who can access adoption records, you may be able to access some information through the Arkansas Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry (MCVAR). This voluntary registry can connect birth relatives if they both consent to having contact.
You can register to identify your birth relatives if you’re:
- An adoptee who’s at least 18
- A birth parent
- A birth grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, or sibling
To register with the MCVAR, you must complete an affidavit form, attend a one-hour counseling session, and pay $20. Once you complete these steps, you will be notified if one of your biological relatives joins the registry.
Additionally, the MCVAR can provide non-identifying information about an adoption, including genetic, health, and social histories. This information doesn’t include the names of the adoptee, the adoptive parents, or the birth parents.
You can register to access this information if you’re:
- An adoptee who’s at least 18
- A birth parent
- A spouse, child, or child’s guardian of a deceased adoptee
- An adoptive parent or a legal guardian
- A child welfare agency with custody of an adoptee
To obtain this report, you must complete an affidavit form and pay $5.
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Let Adopted.com help you find your lost family today!
Adopted.com is a powerful adoption reunion registry designed to help you reconnect with your birth parents. By registering, you gain access to a growing database of over 1,205,106 profiles, increasing your chances of finding your biological relatives. The platform respects your privacy and allows you to update your profile anytime.
Registration is free, and the unique search tool ensures measurable match results. When you find your birth parents, remember to approach the reunion with an open heart and understanding, as it can be an emotionally significant experience for everyone involved.
Register NowRECENT MEMBERS IN Arkansas
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A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within Arkansas Who Chose To Be Featured
211. Dgodwin77 : I’m looking for my mother inlaw’s birth parents and/or siblings. She was born in Magnolia, Arkansas at Magnolia Hospital and was adopted by Brice and Faye Rich shortly after birth.
212. AmyDJE : Hello, my name is Amy and I was adopted from Delta Regional Hospital in Washington County, Greenville, Mississippi at the end of February 1982. It was a closed adoption and I have been unable to obtain any information through the hospital, courthouse, or state vital statistics. I am looking for any biological family information. Thanks
213. AmyDJE : Hello, my name is Amy and I was adopted from Washington County, Greenville, Mississippi around the end of February 1982 from Delta Regional Medical Center. Looking for both parents and any possible siblings or relatives. Thanks!
214. Jennmcgrath : Fathers name is Patrick James Martin, Mother is Karen Haley.
215. Chomer : Fayetteville Arkansas delivering doctor LeMond Clark! Hospital Washington County!
216. Drock94 : Born in fort Smith I think and my uncle is Johnny Suggs
217. Danielle_McDonald : My name is Danielle Mc Donald/Graham. I am looking for Amber Hardin, you have 2 younger siblings. You were born in Harrison Arkansas. You may possibly live in Cabot Arkansas and have the last name Young.
218. Redsammy : Looking for a child born in 1942 in West Memphis, Arkansas. Mother was Mary Lee Dunavent b 1924. Father was likely James Earl Gray.
219. Stacypope454 : I had a baby girl December 19th 1982 in Little Rock Arkansas Lawyer Lanny Soloway asked for birth fathers name I gave William Floyd Haynes from Ft Townson, Oklahoma I was returned to a youth shelter in Durant Oklahoma January 1983 judged deprived I still live in Durant I was Marni Lockwood then Taylor now I love you
220. Chainringrrl : I am looking for my birth father. I was born in Searcy, Arkansas in August 1981, but my family is from Bald Knob.
221. SamPaul14 : Girl born in Little Rock, AR
222. Amyrra : Rob, Hope, RJ NY
223. Medog5612 : I am looking for my birth parents. I was born in June of 1963 in Little Rock, Ar. My birth mother was 21 when she had me and had some college. She was described as 5’7/ 135. Light brown hair, hazel eyes. My father was 21 and had one year of college. He was 5’11"/ 210 lbs. I was told I was born at Baptist hospital in Little Rock. I was in foster homes and adopted when I was 1 year 10 months. I was also told my birth name is Jon Hankins
224. ALLLOVE : I have been looking for mu baby brother for 15 years, I know he was taken away from my grandmother and adopted around 10 years old in Arkansas
225. Countrygurl23 : I want to know who my real parents are I have heard many stories that my real dad is someone in my adopted family and I just want to know the truth.
