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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29,407 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 1,201,224 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
526. Melodyap : Father: Donald Albert Huntsinger Mother: Bunny Maureen Hayes
527. Ruthh100 : Half sibling Michael born 5/8/51 New York Mother moved from New york to los angeles April 1955 Mother was 24 years old Mother had 2 younger brothers and 1 younger sister adoption decree list no name Becker as my name.
528. Codntam : I was born in san Francisco my bio mother’s name was "Browne" and i was named "Patricia Louise Gardare" I was adopted by Roy & Dorothy Horton in Bakersfield (Kern County).
529. Valeriehulburt : I was born in French Camp, CA at San Joaquin General Hospital. I was born around 2pm on 12/27/1988 to a single Hispanic female.
530. Tofindmyself : I was born at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose in 1969. My birth mother’s last name was Campbell. She was an only child. My adoption was finalized in Shasta County, CA in July 1970. Physician’s name was Hayes. My birth father was a Marine at the time of my birth. I sent a message to a 100% matched family member on Ancestry.com. If you’re reading this, please check your message on that website and kindly respond. Thank you!
531. Lorimariehowell : Adopted at 9months old. Mother was allergic to strawberries. Father gave me up in Merced CA. Born in SF 2/26/1966. Adopted by James Howell in Modesto CA.
532. Lilbrit76 : Rosanna Marie Watkins born April 17 1993 in Greenville, CA. Adopted through Lassen family services in Susanville , Ca. She was adopted at the age of 3 yrs old. I have been searching for forever. Was told she was adopted from a family that lived in Marysville, Ca or Yuba city CA. Christina Ann Watkins Holmes Located in Maryland
533. DeniseCSUS : I am a 48-year-old female looking for my sister. We have the same mother and possibly the same father. Our mother passed away in 2013. My sister was born at Kaiser Hospital on Morse Ave in Sacramento California (as was 5 years earlier). The reason she was given up for adoption was because my mom was mentally ill and our father was living with an opiate addiction and he would not be able to take care of all three of us. I didn’t understand what was going on but my whole life I wondered where she was, and honestly I hoped she was happier than I was. We have a wonderful extended family who are fully functioning members of society and most of us have careers in the human services industry whether we are psychologists or social workers. I can provide information on any hereditary medical information and more. Our mother’s name was Maria Bellinger, our father’s name was Joseph Bellinger our mothers maiden name was Berkes and she was born in Budapest Hungary and our father is from the bay area in California. Our great-grandmother was a survivor of the 1906 earthquake, which is pretty amazing. It was my understanding that you were named Ann and the adoptive parents were going to keep that name. I was also told that the adoptive parents were a doctor and a nurse but I have no way of verifying that. The other important piece of information was that the adoption agency that conducted my sisters adoption was in downtown Sacramento and unfortunately it burned down in the 1970’s. Which was before all these types of documents were computerized. Through our father there are two half siblings. We know each other but we are not close. My sister and I are the only ones who have the same mom and dad. The family never really left Sacramento though my mother’s extended family did move to the bay area so we have relatives in Oakland and San Jose. I also understand that my siblings was born with light-colored hair and light eyes. I’m mothers side of the family has very dark hair and dark eyes. I take after them sorry looks very Hungarian. Our family is not very tall in stature. Our mother was 5 foot tall and our father was 5 foot eight.
534. AKCLCS : Born In Grossmont hospital on Feb 25, 1966 San Diego Ca, was adopted at birth. Adoption was through Children’s Home Society. I would like to find information about my birth mother and father, also would be interested to find out if I may have other siblings. I’ve had a full life, but have always felt incomplete without knowing my health history which is very important. I cant say that I am looking to connect but at least get the info for medical. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
535. Mcstell : Glendale
536. KristyM : I have found my birth mother’s children and have connected with them. I am still wishing to make contact with my birth father’s children. I have made contact with cousins on my paternal side through DNA data bases. My father was Harold Clark Reed who served at El Toro Marine base in 1956, and died in a plane crash in his 30’s. I was born in Riverside, CA.
537. Aamster : Adopted in Riverside‚ CA at birth.
538. Ladidoodah15 : I was a "War Baby". Camp Roberts /Hunter Liggett military reservation is near Paso Robles, CA which was an active staging area during WWII. I suspect my bioparents may have been in the area due to the war if they were not originally from the local area. I was informed that bio mother had married another person (not bio father) by the time I was born. Not sure of any info however, as have never been able to corroborate. 10/28/21 Have found birth mother information- Mary Ann (Hall) Magnusson of SF Bay area -Later lived/died in Santa Cruz, CA.
539. Fletchie48 : I was born approximately 12 weeks premature, at home in Covina, Ca. I would love to meet my birth family. Medical info would also be very appreciated.
540. 2emailrachel : California dna with ancestry and 23 and me
