Illinois Adoption Records
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Accessing Illinois Adoption Records
Illinois adoption records are sealed, though adoptees have access to their original birth certificates once they turn 21. However, birth parents can remove their names from these records if they want to remain anonymous.
Illinois offers other options for finding your birth relatives, but the process can be long and overwhelming. At Adopted.com, we know there’s a better way to learn about an adoption.
Our voluntary adoption reunion registry allows you to search for birth relatives quickly, without the red tape. We don’t make you fill out complicated forms or file a court order. You just need to answer ten easy questions that most people know about the adoption.
As the largest adoption reunion registry in the United States, Adopted.com can reconnect you with your biological family in Rockford, Marion, Chicago, or any other part of Illinois. Join Adopted.com today to make a reunion possible.
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12,611 Does Illinois Have Open Adoption Records?
No, Illinois has closed adoption records. In a closed state, records are confidential and inaccessible to the public. You need a court order to view adoption records or obtain copies of documents, with some exceptions.
How Long Are Adoption Records Sealed in Illinois?
Illinois seals adoption records permanently after an adoption is finalized. These records include the child’s original birth certificate and all related adoption documents. While these documents are not public record, some people can have Illinois adoption records unsealed in specific situations, including adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents.
How Do I Find Adoption Records in Illinois?
If you’re an adoptee or an adoptive parent in Illinois, you can obtain a court order to view your adoption records without showing good cause. In other words, you don’t need to prove you have a good reason to see the records. However, when you obtain the copy of the final adoption order, the birth parents’ names will be redacted or removed.
As an adoptee, you also have the option of obtaining your original birth certificate, which usually shows the birth parents’ names. However, if you were born after Jan. 1, 1946, your birth parents have the option to remove their names from this document. They can also remove other identifying information, such as their last known address and/or your last name at the time of your birth (if it’s the same as their name).
If you’re an adoptee in Illinois over age 21, you can request your original birth certificate by completing the form Request for a Non-Certified Copy of Original Birth Certificate. You will need to complete the form and provide a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID. There’s a fee to obtain this record. Mail the form and payment to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) in Springfield.
You can follow this same process to obtain an original birth certificate if you're the spouse, child, or grandchild of a deceased adoptee. The only difference is you need to have the form notarized. If you’re a birth parent, you can obtain a copy of your child’s original birth certificate by completing the form Birth Parent Request for a Non-Certified Copy of an Original Birth Certificate.
Does Illinois Have an Adoption Reunion Registry?
Yes, you can join the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange (IARMIE) if you want to learn more about an adoption. You can register with IARMIE if you’re:
- An adoptee who’s 21 or older
- An adoptive parent of a child younger than 21
- A birth parent
- The surviving relative of a deceased adoptee, such as an adult child or grandchild
- The surviving relative of a deceased birth parent, such as an adult child or sibling
- A legal guardian of an adopted child
To join, complete the IARMIE Application form and provide the required documentation. You also need to include a $15 registration fee payable to IDPH.
Once you join, you may receive contact information for a birth relative if they’ve also registered. You can also obtain medical information from biological relatives if they’ve voluntarily submitted it.
If you don’t find a family member through IARMIE, you can request a search through the Confidential Intermediary Service of Illinois. This program assigns you a confidential intermediary who can access Illinois adoption records to search for your birth relatives.
An intermediary can ask your relative if they want to have contact with you. If your relative agrees, the intermediary will arrange contact between you. However, an intermediary cannot give out names or contact information without a person’s written consent.
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 1,185,083 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.
Register NowRECENT MEMBERS IN Illinois
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A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within Illinois Who Chose To Be Featured
1. Darylt : I believe my mothers name was Janice Heavner, but I could be mistaken with the first name. I also think she was around the age of 16 at the time of my birth, but again can’t confirm.
2. Scbysnack1 : FOUND - AUGUST 2022 Michigan‚ Muskegon‚ Grant‚ Washburn‚ Constance‚ Jerry‚ Loretta‚ Lima‚ Newaygo‚ Ken‚ Larry‚ Orville‚ Ravenna‚ White Cloud‚ Westbrook
3. Ckzero : I was born in Macomb IL. I was born premature so I was told. I have a half dollar size birthmark on the right side of my chest. Adoption may have been handled thru a catholic agency out of Bloomington IL.
4. Kevinepearce : I was born on August 2‚ 1970 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Aurora IL. My birth mother’s name was Julie Ann Aureli who gave me my original name of Timothy Michael Aureli. Unfortunitly‚ my birth father’s name was "Legally Omitted" from my Living Birth Certificate‚ so I have no clue whom he might be. I was adopted ten days after my birth to Edward & Sue Pearce‚ who raised me in Highland Park‚ IL. I had a great life with my parents & my older adopted brother from another family. I hope that some day I can meet my birth mother & father‚ that is if I have the luck to do so.
5. Jj333 : The last name of my grandmother was Jensen, her maiden name was Dorney, Alice Dorney.
6. Emily77 : i was born and adopted out of princeton IL in 1977. i possibly have an older brother.
7. Tiff2466 : I was adopted through Catholic Charities I was born in Geneva IL. I have had DNA testing done and surprisingly I’m almost 90% from Great Britain. I was born in September 6th in 1978. My birth mothers name is Cheryl...my birth father would be near at 70 years old now. I’ve been given the name David Canfield
8. Chrisj : adoption went through The Cradle. Birth mother’s maiden name is Helen Dyer. Paternal grandparents were Michael Curtis and Ruth Johnson. Birth parents and family are from Iowa.
9. Chrisj : I was born in Chicago area and adopted through the Cradle in Evanston, Illinois. I have strong reason to believe that both parents and family members are from Iowa. Through AncestryDNA, I am the granddaughter to Ruth Johnson and Michael Curtis.
10. Kbatterton : I’m looking for my birth mother, I found out who my birth father was his name is James ray, McNeil, I am now trying to find my birth mother, I was born some where in Illinois I am not sure where. all i know is it saids I was born in white hall Illinois, I was also told that I was taken by the state as soon as I was born. I was born Feb 12 1967,
11. Johnpaul1963 : trying to find birth mother, I was born on October 29th 1963 and adopted through misericordia. Mother was 15 to 16 years old . Adoption took place in chicago, Illinois. St Joseph hospital Mothers name is jean kerger My biological name was jeffery thomas kerger. Or any family members.
12. Tiggur99 : Birth name was Kelly Andra Kretchmer, born September 19, 1970 in Chicago, IL. Put in care of Lutheran Welfare Services of Illinois, On March 29, 1971 I was adopted by Paul H. and Maragret W. Aggus in the Circuit Court of Cook County, IL GEN. No: 70 CO A 3537. Approve by presiding Judge Harry G. Comerford. Parents were represented by attorney Elmer E. Abrahamson. My legal adopted name then because Jodi Lynn Aggus. Welfare case worker was Mrs. Menalois Murphy.
13. Thorplee : adopted and all info was fake, did 23andmeDNA found a 1/2 sibling sister (22%) with a name that was different than bc,(that’s why I say info was all fake), apparently bf is the common link, but then she said there is a 1/2 brother (27.5%) with different bm than her so she thinks his bm is my bm with the same bf, he did 23andmeDNA and only common denominator is the bm, as a 1/2 brother, so where does the bf come in if the 1/2brother and I are related, because if we both had the same set of parents it would come up as 50% for brother/I (as I am a male). Just trying to figure things out
14. TheresaLopezSymonds : I hope you had great parents and a great upbringing. I miss you every day! You mean the world to me! I hope some day soon I will meet you. You have two brothers name Christian and Steven and they can not wait to meet you. I am here for you in any way and everyway you want me to be. I love you and respect your wishes but I hope and pray you will come looking for us soon. Love Mom
15. Kjhazze : Looking for birthparents, possibly from the South Suburbs of Chicago, born in Oak Lawn.
