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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27,010 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 1,185,521 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
436. Mikehamma : I was adopted as an infant and I am very interested to find out who may be connected with me or who are my parents. I understand I am bi racial and my dad was an intertwined as I am .
437. Boulder123 : I was born at Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley, California at around 10 something in the morning. I had a birthmark on my right cheek. My birth parents were dating and my birth father asked my mother to marry him, but she wasn’t ready for either marriage or a child. The people that adopted me were Sandra and Lynn Comeskey and we lived in Northern California until I was almost three. After that Sandy and Lynn got divorced and we moved to England, where Sandy was remarried. I haven’t used the surname Comeskey since back then.
438. Lizzyjavi : I was born at the queen of angles hospital in los Angeles in 1984 and I believe my grandma name was Amelia soto or santo I believe and u can message me on fb as Lizette amaro
439. Poetress : My birth mother’s last name is Popick and I was born in queen of the Valley hospital in West covina on May 23‚ 1978. My name was officially changed to my current in 1979. My birth father was black and native american and my birth mother is russian‚ austrian‚ and german and her religion was jewish.
440. Jreyes2540 : I was born November 30‚ 1982 in Northridge California at the Northridge Medical Center. The adoption was through Holy Family Services to Olivia and Alfredo Reyes‚ who already had two sons‚ they named me Jamie Christine. My birth Mother was 15 and Puerto Rican.
441. Mccoyml : I am looking for Judy Nelson‚ born 1/17/37 and went to South Shore High School in the Chicago area. I found my birth father‚ Gene Orton‚ several years back. I did a DNA test with 23 & me and was matched with two siblings from my mother’s side. We have communicated and will meet in person next month‚ June 2023.
442. Meganmaepage : Searching for my brother Kiefer that was given up at birth summer of 1996. Born at Sanbernardino county hospital in Sanbernardino Ca to Donna Braden and Robert Page. Possibly living in southern Ca.
443. Hurtandseeking11 : I was born in new Orleans to margarita Isaaces and Jerome Kennedy. I was adopted in los Angeles California.
444. Pushupman : Stephen Michael Pekrul Paschall San Diego
445. Jewls03 : I know our birth mothers name is Myra Jean Cinquemani and our birth fathers last name is Webb. I was adopted in Southern California in the 80s. I know I have two brothers and a sister. One brother is named Michael and he and my sister are about a year or two apart.
446. Shipmate : Father last name is Howard. First name could be Eugene. Mother maiden name is White.
447. Teresapooh : Hi! I’m looking for my birth mother and/or birth father. All I know is that they are both from Idaho, I believe my birth father might of been in the military, Air Force possibly. My birth mother was sent out to California to have me. My birth father doesn’t know I exist, I think. That’s about all the info I have. Good luck to everyone!
448. Doddsroman : Dodds baby boy (hispanic)
449. Tiny1571 : I was born march 19th 1983 in Oroville county hospital in Butte county California. My real first name is Cecelia but other than that I dont know much.
450. Littlelionman : Possible mother’s name : maria guadalupe granados Possible father’s name: reuben flores Born at LA county hospital Adopted by white couple
