California Adoption Records
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About Adoption Records in California
California adoption records are sealed, and you can’t access an original birth certificate or other documents without a court order. For some adoptions, the state will release names and contact information if both the adoptee and the birth parents consent.
Even with this option, accessing adoption records in California is difficult. Fortunately, there’s another pathway available to you. Adopted.com is a voluntary adoption reunion registry where adoptees, birth parents, and relatives can find one another very quickly.
When you register with Adopted.com, you can begin looking for your relatives, whether you’re in San Diego, Sacramento, or anywhere else in California. To join, you just need to answer ten easy questions about the adoption. These questions focus on the adoption details that most people know, even without access to official state records.
Bureaucratic red tape shouldn’t keep you from getting the answers you’ve spent a lifetime not knowing. Register with Adopted.com today for the chance to reunite with your birth family.
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27,024 Are Adoption Records Public in California?
No, adoption records are not public in California. You need a court order to access adoption records, which include an adoptee’s original birth certificate. This document usually contains the birth parents’ names.
How Do I Obtain Adoption Records in California?
You’ll need to file a petition to access adoption records in California. In the petition, you must show that you have a good reason for accessing the records, such as a medical necessity. Contact the clerk’s office in the county superior court that handled the adoption. The clerk can provide more information on how to file your petition.
While California has closed adoption records, the state can provide identifying information to adoptees in some circumstances. You can ask for your birth parents’ names if you meet these conditions:
- You’re 21 or older.
- Your adoption was finalized after Jan. 1, 1984.
- Your birth parent(s) signed a form granting permission to disclose their name(s).
- You submit a statement requesting your birth parents’ names and addresses.
You should send your form to the agency that handled the adoption or the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). CDSS doesn’t charge a fee, but licensed adoption agencies may require payment.
If you cannot obtain any information this way, you can also register with California’s Mutual Consent Program. The registry will release contact information for adult adoptees and birth parents if both sides consent. This information will include names, email addresses, and/or phone numbers. Siblings can also join the registry if they’re at least 18 years old.
To join the registry, complete the Consent for Arranging Contact (AD 902) form if you’re an adoptee or a birth parent. Siblings should complete the Waiver of Rights to Confidentiality for Siblings (AD 904A) form. Return the form to CDSS or the agency that handled the adoption.
Does California Have Open Adoption Records?
No, adoption records in California are closed. However, California allows open adoptions to take place. An open adoption means the birth parents and adoptive parents arrange to have contact with each other.
While open adoptions allow families to share information, they don’t change the legal status of adoptions. Open adoption records in California are sealed once an adoption is finalized.
Are Adoption Records Sealed in California?
Yes, California seals all adoption records to keep birth parents’ identities private. If you’re an adoptee, however, you can get some non-identifying information about your birth parents. This information may include general facts about your birth parents and their medical histories. It will not include their names or contact information.
You can request access to non-identifying information by writing a letter. In the letter, include your name, date and place of birth, and your adoptive parents’ names. You’ll need to have your signature notarized. Mail your letter to the adoption agency or the CDSS. You cannot email or fax your letter.
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 1,185,094 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 California Who Chose To Be Featured
211. Bwoodall69 : He was born Justin Case Berrigan. In Bakersfield,.California. At Memorial Hospital. On July 29th 2000. His birth mother and father have been actively seeking his whereabouts since the separation. He has 2 siblings Nick and Meagan. He is the youngest of 3 children. We last had contact when he was 4 years old. All 3 children were taken by Kern County Dept. Of Human Services in October of 2002-2003. Justin was the only one adopted out. The other 2 were returned to the parents.
212. Makitasr : I was born in Los Angeles‚ CA on July 13‚1964.
213. SANDYSUN1970 : GIRL BORN 01/23/1970‚ ADOPTED IN MARCH 1970 FROM LUTHERAN FAMILY CHILDREN SERVICES‚ ADOPTION TOOK PLACE IN ST. LOUIS COUNTY
214. Gia8281 : San Bernardino, CA Birth parent(s) names: Leslie Don’t remember last name right now.
215. EVPay : Hi - I’m looking for my birth father. I believe his name is Stephen‚ possibly from southern California. My date of birth is October 1st‚ 1969. I would love to make a connection.
216. Keyleesutton : Kianna Monet Howard is my little sister. Our mother is Stacy, she has 4 older sisters. We don’t know her fathers name. I believe she is 16 by now.
217. Birthmom55 : Born in Los Angeles
218. Jscsts : my name was joan lorraine burwell when adopted my name i think was maria bush I was adopted in san bernadino california
219. Hintzfordmom : My name Heather Renee Hintz, Birth Father or Adopted father Richard Eugene Hintz, Adopted mothers name Sherry Meade, Birth mother debra or debbie bently or bentley. This may have been a step parent adoption. I was born at Fremont Medical Center(now Rideout Medical Center) in Marysville California. I had Black hair when I was born, that later turned red when my adopted Mother Sherry moved us to Arizona.
220. ToddShepherd : Love you and thank you
221. Cindybush : I was born December 22, 1954 at 2:07pm. I was adopted through Holy Family Services in Pasadena, CA. My mother had a history of mumps and asthma. She had polio at the age of 7 which affected her left leg slightly. My records state that my mother was 16 years old at the time of birth, and there is very little information about my father. They were dating 6 weeks and it was a secret relationship. He was 20 years old and was not aware of the pregnancy. The information about my birth father is very limited. My birth mother was 5’2", 125 lbs, Green eyes, dark brown hair, fair skin. She was English and Irish, Roman Catholic. She was an only child and was introduced to my birth father by one of her girlfriends. They went on a few dates but it was kept a secret, and by the time she realized she was pregnant they had already broken up. My birth mother stayed at a maternity home during her pregnancy. After my birth she planned on returning home to her mother and stepfather, and planned on attending a different high school so her friends wouldn’t suspect anything. Records show that my birth father was 20 yr old, 5’9", 160 lbs, blue eyes, blonde hair, fair skin, Swedish. He was an auto mechanic. Who knows if this information is correct? I have olive skin, hazel eyes, dark brown hair. I’m 5’7", 200 lbs. My oldest daughter had some genetic testing done and it was revealed that she also possibly has some Spanish blood, which does not come from her father. This makes me think that it came from my birth fathers side. Perhaps my birth mother was not completely honest? I’m not sure what to think. My birth name was Marie Whaley/Whalen
222. Peece627 : Born at San Francisco children’s hospital
223. Jhens : Searching for my paternal grandma and grandpa. Birth mother’s last name was Whitaker. My father was born in Tehachapi‚ California.
224. VantsAnseth : My Mother’s name is Betty Lou Anseth D.O.B.: 12/28/1932 . She was 14 at the time of my birth and lived in Medford Oregon‚ her Mother took her to an Aunt’s home in Long Beach‚ Ca. where I was born: 11/26/1947 at Long Beach Community Hospital. I am searching for my Father who lived in Oregon at the time. I was conceived in Medford Oregon. My Grandmother took my Mom to Long Brach Ca. Where i was born. After I was born Betty returned to Jr. High School in Medford. Her Parents were: Theo Leroy Anseth 10/13/1909 and Francis Lucille Porter 1/21/1913 Contact me.
225. Eataylor : I was adopted through LDS Social services. My birthmother’s social worker was Susan Hogan and my adoptive parents worker was Xiamara Rameriez. I was born in Orange, Orange, California. My birthmother was 16 and my birthfather was 17.
