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 1,205,105 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.
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A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within Arkansas Who Chose To Be Featured
271. Meghanrey : Looking for my biological mom and brother. Hoping I find you!
272. PamekThomas : looking for my mothers birth parents or her birth mother. She was adopted by August John and Jesse Ger Marquardt. Jesse Marquardt was a midwife. They were from Missouri. I was told my Mothers birth name was Speigal, Speegle, Spiegal. Not sure of the spelling. I am doing a Family Tree. I have done a DNA with Family Tree. I would appreciate any help. I think she was born in Northwest Arkansas.
273. PamekThomas : my Mother was adopted ar birth. Her name was Gladys Marie Marquardt. Adopted by August John and Jessie Marquardt. Her birthdate is December 15, 1926 or 1927. I believe she was born in Northwest Arkansas. Her Mother was a midwife. We were told her mothers last name was Speigal, Spiegal, Speegle. Possibly from Arkansas or Oklahoma.
274. PamekThomas : looking for relatives of Gladys Marquardt. MY mother was adopted by August John and Jessie Marquardt . Jessie was a midwife. I think Jessie delivered my Mother and adopted her. I was told her birth mothers name was Speigal, Spiegal, Speegle. Possibly from the Tulsa Oklahoma area. and she had a sister and a brother.
275. Tinamarieh : April Ford keeling Clinton Arkansas is who my girls ended up with
276. Dyates : I was adopted in the town of Fayetteville, Arkansas at what was once Washington Regional.... I believe.
277. DonaldRayTaylor : I was told my birth name was Donald R Taylor, my name is now Donald Taylor Patterson. Was born North Little Rock.
278. AdirondackLady : I am seeking a female adoptee born in Houston‚ Texas‚ on or around September 30th‚ 1974 or 1975 or 1976 (we are assured the birthday is 1975 but some claims have been made about birth certificates being tampered with). She was given up to Catholic Charities. Is any of this a potential match please feel free to contact. Maternal family are wishing to reconnect. DNA will be up on Ancestry of a sibling.
279. Margomiddleton : IM looking for my sons James Edward Middleton born march 24 1996 Jonathan windell Middleton born October 27 1999 both born in la mesa CA we haven’t stopped looking for you
280. SeekingMomorAnyone : She was born in Little Rock Arkansas, according to birth certificate. Adoption took place in Oklahoma. There may be siblings adopted out to other families. Infant photos have the last name Strauder on the back of them.
281. MadisonXbrown67767 : I am trying to find my brother. He is about 25 years of age. It was an open adoption, but I am not in contact with the birth mother. We share the same father. The birth mother was my step mother. I have just found out about him and I can’t ask my father and not many people know about this.
282. Stormtrooperevox : Looking for my birth parents. I was born September 11th 1995 in little rock Arkansas. I am currently 22 years old. Never had contact with them
283. AshleyRivera : I am trying to find my birth mother. I was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas on November 7th, 1987. I was born at Sparks hospital. I am really wanting to connect and find out as much information as I can.
284. Ttedeton67 : I am searching for my birth mother. I was born 9/20/67 in or around little rock arkansas
285. Dmitchell73 : I was adopted in little rock
