California Adoption Records
The world's largest adoption reunion registry 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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29,523 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 1,198,411 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
76. Kjm777us : I was born at Feather River Hospital in Paradise‚ CA. My name at the time of birth was Monica Louise Garcia. I went into foster care at 3 weeks old and was adopted at 18 months.
77. Val2crazy : I was born in San Bernadino Calif .... looking for birth father... Mothers name is JoAnn Christian
78. Rjack : DOB 12/29/1973 10:32 am, Hoag Memorial Hospital. Childrens Home Society, Birth parents were 15 & 18. Trying to locate any info on relatives. I have a daughter and would particularly like to find out more about my family health information.
79. Rpowers : I would like to find my biological parents
80. Krazkatt : Was born in Long Beach, CA and put up for adoption at around 9 months old. Searching for any information, contact me.
81. Slleept : Looking for medical information for an adopted baby girl (Bolch, Unknown - mother Wooten, Ronald F. - father) born in Pioneers Hospital on 08/03/1964 in Imperial County, CA.
82. Wsmorris9lv : I was born in Canoga Park CA- mother’s first name is Mary.
83. Twellmans : Birth certificate says Santa Monica Hospital
84. BD2008 : My bio mother was 19 years old. I was born at Pomona Valley Hospital in September 1970. I had a foster mother for two months prior to adoption by a couple living in Long Beach, Ca. 23 and Me results show my closest DNA relatives have family names of Capps and Spears.
85. Atharvey : Looking for sister born 6-21-1961 at Booth Memorial in Los Angeles
86. 88jmels : I hope to find my biologial father & siblings. Ancestry.com DNA posted 4 1st cousins. Evidently by DNA testing my biological fathers last name would be Brunet. He most likely live in Orange County or Long Beach area. I did get a call from one of the 1st cousins. She was nice it seems this man had been married and remained (s) married. So, it would be ackward since he was married. I do not know how to proceed. My biological mother was Clara Jane Whaley.she was born April 22, 1929. My biologial father made trips to the Long Beach area. In mid 1960 he & Clara were together. Later it was discovered that he was married. He & Clara kept in touch for awhile. My Grandmother Lavere Whaley aided Clara in placing me at birth.
87. Shyloche : I am looking for my older half-brothers who were adopted together from Northern California around 1973, give or take a year. Their birth names were Laverne Robert Sutton and Roger Alan Sutton.
88. Shyloche : I am looking for my older half-brothers who should have been adopted together in Northern California around 1973, give or take a year. Their birth names were Laverne Robert Sutton and Roger Alan Sutton.
89. Lauriedodt : I was born in Santa Cruz, CA at the Santa Cruz Community Hospital. I have tested my DNA and learned I have a 1st cousin named Glen Emerick. Since I have joined this site I have lost both of my adoptive parents and I find my daughter and I are without any family. I would very much like to be part of a loving family. Don’t be afraid.
90. Tkfulton : I am looking for my half-sister who is 2 years older than me. She was most likely born in Sacramento around 1961. Her mother would have been about 17 at the time. I was born at Sacramento Memorial Hospital July 29 1963. My birth mother had brown hair and green eyes.
