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California Adoption Records

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for adoptees and families

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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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Currently, there are
30,750
members searching in California

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.

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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 1,255,292 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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RECENT MEMBERS IN California

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Reunions

Erin
Augusta, United States of America

I was matched with my birth mother just minutes after setting up my profile. It turns out that she had been searching for me for years. It's been a joy to connect with her and the rest of my biological family.

Sarah
Buffalo, New York

I found my children after 30 years, not long after I joined! I'm glad to say it's been a happy ending to my search

Cheryl
San Diego, California

54 years it took us until we found each other. We did a DNA test to confirm! Perfect match. We spent two weeks together and have a blessed, wonderful relationship! We even look alike in so many ways. She is more than I was expecting! Thank you for your website, Adopted.com!

Rosezetta
Wadesboro, North Carolina

I was looking for the mother of my daughter in law, and found both her mother and also grandmother in only 3 days. They are planning a reunion soon. Thank you soooooo much!

Amy
Tracy, California

I found all 3 of my siblings and met them in a week. My life has changed forever! One lives in Tracy and the other two are in North Dakota.

Hollie
Northampton, Massachusetts

Took me about 2 hrs to find a match. I contacted him and he is my brother! Thank you so much!

KIM
MODESTO, California

Within 24 hours my siblings and I were on the phone with our long lost sister.  Without Adopted.com it would have never happened.  We are sincerely grateful as we are now all a part of each other's lives!

Kara
Springfield, Missouri

I filled out my profile and had a match to my birth parents that same day! We connected on Facebook and talked for a while to confirm that the match was accurate and it was! We are all very excited to get to know each other!

Kathy
Jacksonville, Florida

I have found my daughter!  I got on adopted.com on Friday about 8pm. I had 6 matches‚ I sent out 3 messages and my daughter Karen was the first one to reply. By 9pm we were emailing each other. She looks just like me. I can't believe this has happened. Thank you adopted.com for this successful reunion!

Tiffany
Aurora, Illinois

I am very excited to have found my half brother‚ John‚ on Adopted.com. A great friend assisted me in finding him since recently finding out about him, and our mother having recently passed. We have since met and so grateful to have him in all of the families life!

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