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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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Currently, there are
11,096
members searching in Michigan

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 1,209,669 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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RECENT MEMBERS IN Michigan

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Reunions

Erin
Augusta, United States of America

I was matched with my birth mother just minutes after setting up my profile. It turns out that she had been searching for me for years. It's been a joy to connect with her and the rest of my biological family.

Sarah
Buffalo, New York

I found my children after 30 years, not long after I joined! I'm glad to say it's been a happy ending to my search

Robyn
MIDLAND, North Carolina

My sister and I found each other after 57 years. It was confirmed with DNA and she also met her biological Mother. She was raised and still lived in the Washington, D.C. area. Thank you for providing a search engine to track adopted relatives.

Cheryl
San Diego, California

54 years it took us until we found each other. We did a DNA test to confirm! Perfect match. We spent two weeks together and have a blessed, wonderful relationship! We even look alike in so many ways. She is more than I was expecting! Thank you for your website, Adopted.com!

Rosezetta
Wadesboro, North Carolina

I was looking for the mother of my daughter in law, and found both her mother and also grandmother in only 3 days. They are planning a reunion soon. Thank you soooooo much!

Amy
Tracy, California

I found all 3 of my siblings and met them in a week. My life has changed forever! One lives in Tracy and the other two are in North Dakota.

Liz
Perkinsville, Vermont

Thank you for reuniting me with my birth mother after 30 years.

Mary Kay
Kissimmee, Florida

It turns out my birth mother passed away in 1987 but her family knew of my birth and adoption! I have spoken to several of them. Many of the biological extended family have shared photos and memories. This journey so far has been a very positive experience!

Kim
LAS VEGAS, Nevada

I had 2 connections on here. 1 responded to my email. When she emailed we talked for a few days. I had left 1 detail out of my post regarding a blanket my mom made. She knew about and still has it 31 years later! Thank you for helping me find my beautiful daughter!

Erik
Columbus, Ohio

I could have been matched with my daughter 4 years sooner had I used this site. So thankful for the modern technology and DNA A Happy Ending to our story!

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