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 1,205,524 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
1081. Erickamgreen : /I was born at Prince George’s Hospital. No information on family.
1082. Benotta : Male searching for birth parents. Birth certificate states I was born June 27, 1972 in WV. Adopted parents reside in MD and always have.
1083. Cfhank23 : I was born in Baltimore,MD on July 18, 1985. Was taken care of by my birth mother till October 29,1985 and was put into the care of Catholic Charities. My mother was 23 and going through a divorce. I have a half brother the was born 10/3/83. I also have the information that my mother was also adopted at the age of 6. I have also been told my father was 20 when I was born and work for a plumbing company when I was born. I have been thinking for years about finding my parents and have alway wonder what they were like.
1084. Lookinforubro : Born at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, M.D.
1085. Phoover42 : I was born at Walter Reed hospital in DC. I believe my father was in the navy. My adopted mother said she only saw my birth parents from the back. My mother had long blonde hair. My adoption was set up within a week of my birth.
1086. MonicaJones : Just looking to find out who I am and who my family is!
1087. Ktom0460 : I am trying to help my mom find her birth parents. She was born in Montgomery county MD. Her name was Carolyn Miller then it was changed to Deborah.
1088. Douglaswbrecht : My mother is marlene Elizabeth Nickey at the time my father is bgg unknown to me
1089. Ajb1 : Born in Prince George’s county Maryland in 1966. Placed in foster care and adopted by a wonderful family. Mother was apparently married and had an affair. no judgment just trying to connect with birth family.
1090. PDOWNEY12 : Born at South Baltimore General Hospital *we think* in the fall of 1992 to Christine An(n)(e) Leidig Downey and Esteral (E.) Paul Downey. He was given the name Patrick Joseph Downey and he is said to have been born with Down Syndrome and possibly a heart defect. I am his full blooded brother and have been told the last 27 years that he died two days after he was born. I just found out a year ago that was not true. I do not know if he is still alive.
1091. Charlieboy1708 : Father of the sibling was Peter W. Traynor III. Agency handling adoption was Catholic Charities in Baltimore, Md. Mother’s first name was Lois
1092. SadeLMc : I am looking for my biological father specifically. My biological mother’s name is Selena D. Hamilton and she claimed he was a serviceman. She is not sure which branch.
1093. Seandaviscpa : Born 8/15/1965. Was adopted via Baltimore Catholic Charities in Nov 1965.
1094. 2002lb : Looking for my sisters Lil(l)y an Lola
1095. Ae85 : Baby girl Williams
