Maryland Adoption Records
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Accessing Maryland Adoption Records
For decades, Maryland has had sealed adoption records, making them inaccessible without a court order. Some adoptees can access their original birth certificates, but not everyone has this option.
While Maryland prohibits access to adoption records, the state offers two alternative pathways for people looking for their biological relatives. However, both programs have their limitations. If you’re searching for Maryland adoption records, Adopted.com offers an easier solution.
We provide a voluntary adoption reunion registry where anyone impacted by an adoption can search for information. It doesn’t matter when the adoption occurred, and there’s no need to file a court petition. You just need to answer ten simple questions about the adoption that most people know – even without access to state records.
The Adopted.com registry spans the state of Maryland, from Hagerstown to Baltimore and everywhere in between. If you’ve hit a roadblock looking for adoption records in Maryland, register with Adopted.com. Join a community where reunions happen every day.
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4,333 Are Maryland Adoption Records Public?
No. Maryland adoption records have been sealed since July 1, 1947. You cannot access adoption records in Maryland without a court order.
If you were adopted in Maryland in 2000 or later, you can obtain your original birth certificate once you turn 21. However, if the adoption occurred between 1947 and 2000, you cannot get this document without petitioning the court.
How to Access Adoption Records in Maryland?
While accessing adoption records in Maryland is difficult, the state offers a confidential intermediary program for post-adoption reunion services. Confidential intermediaries can access sealed adoption records to search for adoptees or their biological relatives.
You can request a search through Maryland’s confidential intermediary program if you’re:
- An adult adoptee (21 or older)
- A birth parent who voluntarily terminated your parental rights
- A birth sibling or half-sibling (21 or older) if you were also adopted
To request a search, you need to complete several forms from the Maryland Department of Human Services. Complete Application Form 2062 with as much information as you can provide, though you can leave questions blank if you don’t know the answers. You also need to complete a notarized consent form and a statistical survey. Return the forms to the department with a copy of your driver’s license or other photo ID.
Once you request a search, you’ll be assigned an intermediary and sign a service agreement. While the intermediary cannot give you copies of your adoption records, they’ll attempt to locate your relatives. If successful, the intermediary will ask if they want to have contact with you. If they do, the intermediary will arrange a reunion.
In addition to the confidential intermediary program, Maryland also has a Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry. You can join this registry if you’re an adult adoptee, a birth parent, or a biological sibling. If one of your family members also registers, the state will alert you to the match so you can connect. However, the registry has not resulted in many matches, according to the state.
How Do I Get My Adoption Records Unsealed in Maryland?
You’ll need to petition the court to get adoption records unsealed. If you were adopted between 1947 and 1999, you can file a request for your original birth certificate. Petition the court to authorize the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to release the record to you.
You can get a copy of your original birth certificate if you’re at least 21 and were adopted after 2000. This document will list your birth parents’ names, unless they’ve submitted a disclosure veto to remain anonymous.
Birth parents can also request amended birth certificates for adoptions that occurred in 2000 or later, as long as the adoptee is over 21 years old. Adoptees can file a disclosure veto if they don’t want identifying information released.
What Happens to the Original Birth Certificate After Adoption in Maryland?
After an adoption, the adoptee’s birth certificate is changed to list their adoptive parents. The original birth certificate, which has the birth parents’ names, is sealed as part of the adoption record.
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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 1,205,522 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 Maryland Who Chose To Be Featured
466. Ladytdp : St Anns Maturnity School, providence hospital
467. LornaJeanSullivan : Genaology Mothers Name was Ardell Blaisdelle
468. Fmosel01 : I recently found out that I was adopted. According to my adoptive parents, my birthday is August 10, 1972 and was born (male) in the state of Maryland. Any guidance to get information about my birth parent (s) would be appreciated. Thank you
469. BBlank1961 : I was born in Chestertown, MD. The adoption agency that handled my adoption was the Children’s Aid Society in Baltimore, MD. I believe I was 3 months of age when I was adopted.
470. KittMichelle : It was a private adoption through a Honey Sue Diener in Baltimore I believe I was born at Childrens Hospital on Charles St
471. Jaclyn86 : She was born in Calvert Memorial hospital in Calvert county Maryland on April 15th 1977.
472. MichaelUtz : My father was adopted out of Prince Georges County Maryland at the age of 5 or 6. He has since past, however I have always wanted to know if his birth family is looking for him.
473. Afeketis : Born in Annapolis, MD
474. Alexdoyle : I was born in Prince George’s hospital.
475. 2203 : I was born June 22, 1968 in Silver Spring MD. My original due date was July 2nd. My adoptive parents Diane and Nathan Morell gave me a letter from my mother which was written after I was born. I had been placed in a foster home for several weeks untl my adoption was final. My birth mother was 23 years old blue eyes/blonde hair 5 Ft 6’. My birth father 31 years old blue eyes/dark blonde hair 6ft 1’. My father also had a daughter at the time who would have been 8 years older than me. Although my birth parents were protestant and catholic I was placed for adopted through Jewish Social Services DC office.
476. Kimser : I was born and adopted in Baltimore Maryland. The hospital was the Methodist Mission Hospital and the agency was the Episcopal Diocese in Baltimore. My adoptive parents were Betti Jean and Louis Paul Serravalle.
477. Jmcwad : My mother, Karen Best , had a daughter in 1969 who she gave up for adoption. The child was probably born in or near to Washington, D.C. Mom had gone to stay in a home for other single young mothers who were pregnant and giving their children up for adoption. I have very little information beyond this.
478. Maddierose17 : Erika Cantu, birth mother Heidi Friedman, adoptive mother Thomas English, adoptive father
479. Addy1234 : Born at Frederick Memorial Hospital
480. Nikkistud : Selena - birth mom Nathan - birth dad Shanelle - birth older sister Ronzelle - birth older brother
