Michigan Adoption Records
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Accessing Michigan Adoption Records
Michigan is considered a “donut hole” state for adoption records, which means your access to information depends on when you were adopted.
For those adopted before May 28, 1945 or after Sept. 12, 1980, you can obtain identifying information, unless your birth parents have submitted denial statements. If you were adopted between those dates, you can only obtain identifying information if your birth parents submitted statements of consent. This creates a frustrating gap in accessing your Michigan adoption records.
The state seals adoption records, but you can obtain your original birth certificate if your birth parents did not submit denial statements.
At Adopted.com, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to learn about an adoption, no matter when it occurred. We offer a safe, secure, and voluntary way for family members to share information and find each other through mutual consent.
There are no complex rules or required consent releases to join Adopted.com. All you need to do is answer ten simple questions about the adoption, which most people know. Once you’ve registered, you can quickly start searching for connections to members of your birth family.
Our voluntary adoption reunion registry has connected family members across Michigan, from Detroit to Traverse City and everywhere in between. Register today to join a community where reunions happen every day.
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10,039 How to Find Adoption Records in Michigan
In Michigan, courts maintain adoption records, and agencies that handle adoptions may also have records. If you’re an adoptee over 18 years old, contact the Family Division of Circuit Court in the county where your adoption occurred. The court can release some information or provide you with the name of the agency involved in your adoption. If you already know the agency, you can contact it directly.
An agency or court must release non-identifying information within 63 days of your request. Non-identifying information may include the date and place of your birth, a general description of your birth parents, and their genetic histories. This information will not reveal your birth parents’ names.
Other people who can obtain non-identifying information from adoption records include:
- Birth parents
- Adult birth siblings
- Adoptive parents of minor children
How Can You Unseal Closed Adoption Records in Michigan?
Some Michigan adoptees can obtain identifying information from adoption records, including birth parents’ names. It depends on when the adoption occurred and whether the birth parents have denied or consented to releasing their names.
If you were adopted between May 28, 1945 and Sept. 12, 1980, you can only obtain identifying information if your birth parents have filed statements of consent. If they have both consented, you can obtain their names. You can also obtain the names of your biological siblings if they have consented to releasing this information.
If you were adopted before May 28, 1945 or after Sept. 12, 1980, you can obtain identifying information, unless your birth parents have submitted denial statements. You cannot obtain their names or other identifying information if they have filed this statement.
The state’s Central Adoption Registry keeps files of birth parents and biological siblings who have denied or consented to releasing their names. If you’re a birth parent or sibling, you can update your preferences at any time by completing the applicable form. Adoptees cannot register or consent to release their names.
Are Adoption Records Public in Michigan?
No, Michigan adoption records are not public. After an adoption, the state seals all records, including an adoptee’s original birth certificate. However, Michigan allows adult adoptees and other relatives to obtain some information from closed adoption records.
What Happens to the Original Birth Certificate After Adoption in Michigan?
After an adoption, Michigan seals the adoptee’s original birth certificate and issues an amended version. The new birth certificate lists the adoptive parents and the adopted person’s new name.
In Michigan, you can obtain a copy of your original birth certificate if you were adopted before May 28, 1945 or after Sept. 12, 1980. If your birth parents filed a denial statement, their names will be removed from the document.
If you were adopted between May 28, 1945 and Sept. 12, 1980, you cannot obtain your original birth certificate without a court order. For those adoptees, the state has a confidential intermediary program to search for family members. Contact the court that holds your adoption records for more information about this program.
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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 1,190,430 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 Michigan Who Chose To Be Featured
1. Scbysnack1 : FOUND - AUGUST 2022 Michigan‚ Muskegon‚ Grant‚ Washburn‚ Constance‚ Jerry‚ Loretta‚ Lima‚ Newaygo‚ Ken‚ Larry‚ Orville‚ Ravenna‚ White Cloud‚ Westbrook
2. Bbfae : Born at Detroit Receiving Hospital, adoption through Catholic Charities
3. Kori_39 : I am a female that was born on 1/4/69 in Warren, Michigan at Bi-County Community Hospital. I was adopted through Luthern Social Services.
4. Lindanewhouse : I was born by C-section? on February 22, 1949 in Detroit Michigan, Then placed briefly at the DA Bloddgett home for children until I was adopted a few months later, My Biological mother is phyllis born April 15th, 1930 Her father was a farmer and her mother was a lab tech, They were divorced the mom had custody of Phyllis. Phyllis is the oldest of 2 children. My Biological father is Donald Born December 7, 1930 in Michigan he has one sister.
5. 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
6. Mavog : I was born in Muskegon, MI and adopted through the Muskegon Childrens Home.
7. Jft2435 : I was born in northern Michigan on the 19th of May 1966. I have located my birth mother - her name was Vicki Anderson Rice. They both attended Cadillac High School. My father’s first name was Larry. He had his appendix removed during the pregnancy. They were in high school at the time of my birth.
8. Shelli40 : I would love to find my mother and father or family
9. CassieJS : I am searching for my birth son in the hopes of sharing important medical information of a genetic nature with him. Ours was a semi-open adoption in Southwest Michigan, but the agency we used closed it’s doors within a couple of years following, so further contact was not possible. The agency was The Adoption Cradle, I know the first names of his adopted parents (Dan and Renee) he has a brother five years older, also adopted, and his first and middle name (Michael William), but have nothing else to go on. If this could be you or anyone involved (Dan or Renee), please message me. Thank you.
10. Boopsl8 : Born at St. Joseph Hospital, Pontiac Michigan
11. Rcramton : I want to find my daughter
12. Artnband : I only know my biological mother gave me the first name of David. I am looking for a woman who would have been born in 1948 and delivered a baby on 5/24/69 at the Salvation Army William Booth Memorial Hospital that was next to the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit. My biological mother gave me up for adoption in May of 1969. She would have been 21 years old at the time. She was 5’2" tall, brown curly hair, and brown eyes, artistic and attending college at the time. I wonder if you may be related to my father? He was about the same age, was 6’1" tall and blonde hair and blue eyes, and athletic. I don’t know if he attended college in 1969 or already had a career. I have had my DNA tested through Ancestry and it appears I am somehow related to a family in the Detroit area with the last name of Horger. Any help would be greatly appreciated as the records for Michigan are closed for the year I was born. Thank you
13. Marlenefierro : I’m trying to find my sister who was adopted in Grand Rapids‚ Michigan when she was born.
14. Hutchnme2 : Born...October 28, 1970 Flint Mi.
15. Dolphin37 : Lutheran Family Services. Caucasian, blue eyes, blonde hair. Young parents.
