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 1,185,086 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
241. Puanani : My daughter was born on July 2, 1962 around 6:00 a.m., at St. Anne’s Maternity Hospital for Unwed Mothers in Los Angeles. She was placed in a foster home through the Los Angeles County Bureau of Adoptions. You were adopted within a year and you were the first child for the kind people who took you into their home to raise as their own. The father is Filipino and worked in culinary arts, with brown hair and eyes. Your adoptive mother is French/German and she loved to cook and sew. At the time of your birth, I gave you the name of Christine Puanani.
242. Nancyr212 : My birth daughter’s name is Barbara D’Ann Parks‚ adopted by Rorbert (I believe) and Elizabeth Parks in Escondido‚ CA. She was born in Sharps Hospital in San Diego‚ CA.
243. Tina10496 : looking for my sister, Michael Lea Miranda. I am sure that she has had a name change by now. My name is christina rodriguez but my birthname was stevie kristen audrianna ward our mother was annette kellogg/cootware/ward. FATHER LISTED PROBABLY KEVIN MIRANDA
244. Torreslindsay : Looking for my biological parents. I was born March 26th, 1984 in San Jose, California, I believe in Santa Clara county. The adoption agency and orphanage that have these records have since closed down, so I am having trouble finding this information.
245. Lisaolivas : Birth mom Maureen l. O connor (hughes) she uses Hughes but never married. She had a child previously to me she kept.. fathered by Hughes ( not proven) I am the 2nd child Born name given was Katherin may Oconnor hughes ( not verified either on the Hughes last name. Spoke to a possible father by the last name Hughes and he was only with her for 6 months but doesn’t recall fathering a child. Possibly the first child (Michelle m. Hughes) but not me or my now confirmed half sister born a year after I. Very confusing and birth mother does not want to see us . Back in the late 90s I did speak to her but she denied me. She stated she never had children. ( I look just like her btw.) So heartbroken I turn to search for a father that probably doesn’t know I exsist.
246. Aprillynn1 : My mother’s maiden name was Johnston. She was originally from Wharton Texas. She was 18. My father’s sir name was Allen. He was from Wharton Texas. He was 19. My biological mother named me April Lynn at birth.
247. Donnamarie33 : I am 72 years old and am interested in seeking out my birth mother.
248. Careyreynolds123 : My mother’s name is Robyn Matthews birth father from what I understand is his name is Jesse Lee Johnson
249. 33sleepy : My brother was born in Boise, ID. We believe the adoption took place in another state. This was a private adoption. I believe the adoption was through a doctor in Nampa, ID. I am not sure if the birth year was 1956 or 1957. Mother’s name Marlene Hayes she was 17 at the time of pregnancy.
250. Juliapowell : Dustin Williams is the name I believe that the adoptive parents gave my son. My memory is bad so I am unsure of the exact yr or the name of the Hospital. I believe it was the Orange County Adoption Agency.
251. Dibbons : OConner Hospital, San Jose, CA Attending physician at time of delivery Dr. John L. Garrett M.D.
252. JuliGN : I was born in Los Angeles California and have always wanted to know who my birth parents are.
253. LCPassno : Katherine Meyers - Birth Mother’s Name Born at Little Company Of Mary’s Hospital, Torrance California
254. AGKSM16 : Grandmother’s name Lupe Aguilar
255. Bluedragonne : I was born September 2 1969 in Torrance CA around 6AM
