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 1,205,087 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
1081. JimmyLaird : Born November 17,1982 to Marie Hunter (possibly). I don’t have my biological real name. My adoption records are seal and I have no real information. I was adopted at 2 days old to a white couple (I’m African American). I was born at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas. My adopted parents couldn’t have children of their own and their names are Bruce and Mary Laird
1082. Nicoop82 : Anthony Kyron Deshawn Davis, his brother is Tristan Derringer Tyrell Davis. They have a different last name now I’m sure of. Anthony’s DOB is 7/15/2000 and Tristans DOB is 3/19/02. Both adopted in Fayetteville Arkansas
1083. Knightrider11480 : He was born in San Antonio, Tx. Baptist hospital. he has 2 brothers and a sister and i am his biological mother Sandra Reyes /maiden Murphy. his birthdate is 05/24/2003. he was 6lbs 11ozs and was 21 inches long.
1084. Reneewillwin : Birthplace willow creek Fayetteville Arkansas. Birth name Katherine. Adopted parents Todd and Sarah. Birth parents Amber and Jared Michael
1085. Member339687 : Adoption was facilitated by attorney Marcia Woodruff in Fayetteville, AR. Birth father’s name is Carl Everett Hagler III. Delivered at Willow Creek Women’s Hospital on Dec 15th 2008. Adopted by a couple from Little Rock, AR.
1086. Franciscobaby : baby boy born to Debra L Francisco August 13,1979 at North Little Rock Memorial Hospital, North Little Rock, Arkansas. Dr Frank Morgan OB/GYN. Placed by adoption.
1087. Tefab : Crystal Lexus Jackson 12/26/1973
1088. Sandyrde : My mother got pregnant with me and does not know the father, this happened in the Fall of 1971 in Saline County, Arkansas. I am searching for my biological father. My mother kept and raised me.
1089. Dwain67 : He was adopted by doctor
1090. Steebo : I was born at sparks hospital in Fort Smith Arkansas..aug 13th 1968..my birth name was Nathan Scott Timmins..I had siblings...I was adopted at 8 months old in Little Rock Arkansas
1091. Mehaha : My mother was adopted from an orphanage back in 1951 at six months old from little Rock Arkansas we believe. Her dob is 12 /28 /1950
1092. TashaCourtney79 : I’m looking for my nephew. I’ve never laid my eyes on him. But I’ve never forgotten him or his sister Sesiree was hom he hasn’t met. I’m desperate cause it’s been over 30 years. We need closer. I have a don whom I searchunh fir along with his sister. I’m always available to talk. His birth name was Charles Courtney.
1093. Normacarr : i was 4 or 5 when my twin brothers, who were toddlers, were driven to a two story brick orphanage. Upon arrival I was separated from my brothers. I never saw them again. The only thing I remember about the orphanage was there was a native american girl who was 8 years old. I told her I was going to be adopted and she told me that would never get adopted because she was too old and she was an "indian."
1094. Chosengrl : I was born in West Memphis, Arkansas (Crittenden County). I was given the name Holly
1095. HeatherLeonard84 : OUR SON’S BIRTH NAME WAS WILLIAM ALLEN LEONARD! OUR NAMES OUR HEATHER & CHAD LEONARD! HIS ADOPTED PARENTS NAMES ARE MAKINZIE & TREVOR! HE WAS BORN ON JAN 19TH 2018! WE’LL BE MOVING SOON & WILL UPDATE INFO! WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE HIM! NOT ONE SECOND GOES BY THAT WE DON’T THINK ABOUT HIM & MISS HIM! IT HAS BEEN SO HARD WITHOUT HIM! WE LOVE HIM SO MUCH & IT WOULD MEAN MORE THEN YOU’LL EVER KNOW TO US!
