Virginia Adoption Records
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What You Need to Know About Virginia Adoption Records
Virginia adoption records are sealed and unavailable to the public without a court order. However, adoptees can get information about their birth families once they turn 18. Birth parents and biological siblings can also search for adoptees, but only if the adoption occurred after 1994.
In closed states like Virginia, it’s often difficult and time-consuming to access information about an adoption — and in some cases, it’s legally impossible.
Adopted.com offers an alternative route for adoptees, birth parents, and other family members who want to reunite. We provide the largest voluntary adoption reunion registry in the U.S., opening the door to potential connections for family members who consent to sharing information.
You don’t need to fill out a confusing form or get a court order. You just need to answer ten simple questions that most people know about their adoption. Register today to get started with your search. A reunion is possible, whether you’re in Norfolk, Roanoke, or any other part of Virginia.
If you want to try accessing your adoption records via the state, there are a few things to know.
The process of adoption disclosure looks slightly different depending on whether you’re the adoptee, the birth parent, or another family member. Here’s how to access adoption records in Virginia through the VDSS:
- Adoptees who are at least 18 years old can submit an Adoptee Application for Disclosure to search for their birth parents and adult birth siblings.
- Adoptive parents of a minor child can submit an Adoptive Parent Application for Disclosure to search for birth parents and adult birth siblings. However, this only applies if the adoption occurred after July 1, 1994.
- Birth parents can submit a Birth Parent Application for Disclosure if the adoptee is at least 21 years old and the adoption took place after July 1, 1994.
- Adult birth siblings can submit an Adult Birth Sibling Application for Disclosure if the adoptee is at least 21 years old and the adoption took place after July 1, 1994.
Unfortunately, biological family members cannot search for the adoptee if the adoption was finalized before July 1, 1994. However, they can send letters and submit their contact information to the VDSS. If the adoptee requests this information, it will be provided to them.
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5,901 How Do I Get My Adoption Records Unsealed in Virginia?
You need a court order to unseal your adoption records, which include the permanent court record and the official adoption file. However, if you’re looking for non-identifying or identifying information from the adoption file, you can apply to access it through the VDSS.
How Do I Get My Original Birth Certificate If I Was Adopted in Virginia?
If you were born and adopted in Virginia, you’ll need a court order to obtain your original birth record through the state Department of Health Vital Records office.
If you were adopted in Virginia but born in another state, you’ll need to contact that state’s vital records office for information.
Are Adoption Records Public in Virginia?
No, adoption records are sealed in Virginia and kept confidential by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS). You cannot get Virginia public adoption records without a court order. However, birth families and adoptive families can access some information under certain conditions.
If you’re an adult adoptee or an adoptive parent, you can request to view non-identifying information through the VDSS. This information may include the birth parents’ medical histories and the circumstances of the adoption. It doesn’t include the birth parents’ names or any other details that may reveal their identities.
Virginia law also allows some family members to request identifying information. This may include names, dates of birth, or contact information. While you can apply to obtain this information, the other party must consent to release it. If they don’t, your application will be denied.
If you’re the spouse, child, or grandchild of an adoptee, you cannot access their adoption records in Virginia.
Are Adoptions in Virginia Open?
Virginia is considered a “closed” adoption state because it seals adoption records. However, Virginia law allows for open adoptions. In an open adoption, the birth parents and the adoptive family agree to share information or stay in contact after the adoption.
An open adoption arrangement may include letters, phone calls, or face-to-face visits. However, the official adoption records and the adoptee’s original birth certificate are sealed even in an open adoption.
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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 1,204,958 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 Virginia Who Chose To Be Featured
1576. Ctraywick : My father was adopted. I am wondering who his birth parents were so that I can find out some history both medical and just curious about where I come from. His name is Andrew Cameron Lewis. Both of his adoptive parents have passed.
1577. Morgan33 : Searching for half-brother (HB) born in 1965 in Norfolk VA, and put up for adoption at birth. He may already be in contact with birth father, named Al Leibowitz (or similar) and who was a Naval Officer stationed at Virginia Beach and from CT or RI. Our mother’s first name is Ann. Her hair was black and eyes blue. My HB had the Norfolk social services adoption agency contact our mom for non-identifying health information approx 4 years ago. He may be a college or university professor.
1578. Mayfieldtiffany0 : Incident took place in Petersburg, va and was adopted along with a younger sibling
1579. Darlene1963 : I am trying to find my brother who was adopted at birth between 1957/1958. He was born in Charlottesville Virginia and my Mom was 14/15 years of all. He should be in his 60’s now and is African American. We are from Henry County VA
1580. Mamamurfy : I’m your paternal grandmother and you and your birth mother came to us shortly after you were born. You lived with us until you were around 6 months old when your mother disappeared with you. You are my first grandchild and you have been missed.
1581. 6ofsix : I was a 19 year old 1st year student at VCU & the Children’s Home Society of Virginia in Richmond helped me thru the adoption process. I dropped out of college & gave birth at the old UVA hospital in Charlottesville & held my baby once before letting him go on to what I knew would be a better life than I could provide. I often think of him but always wanted to give his family the respect, privacy & security they deserved for doing such a loving thing for my baby. I am putting this out here now in case he has any questions for me. I also want him to know he has a half sister (born in 1992) that knows about him & would love the opportunity to get to know him.
1582. Luluesquenazik : I was born in Vigrina. I recently Found Out my Birth Grandmother was the one who flew me to my adopted parents in miami Florida. I live in mexico. She wrote a letter for my adopted mother telling her what she hoped for me. She wanted me to play the piano. I don’t have much more information
1583. Samanthaevelyn : Richard Alan Staats Linda Elaine Petrovich Alexandria Virginia
1584. Marymurphy : son was born at Georgetown university hospital on june 14‚ 1974 Fairfax Va has advised me that my son died in 1996. He would have been 21 at that time. They would not give me any more info. I have an inherited heart defect and wanted to know how he died or why. His parents are both dead but they would not give me their names. I just want to know something about him. He has always been in my heart and still is
1585. Amyohler89 : My father Morgan Eric Ohler born in DC, was adopted by Walton LeGrande Ohler and his wife Barbara. Apparently the birth mother (name unknown) lived in DC, Illinois or Virginia with my adoptive grandparents until she gave birth to my Dad. Virginia Parker of West Virginia is the person who handled his adoption along with 2 others they adopted (David and Kristen), and from what I was told this was a military adoption. And is open. My Dad was raised for the most of his childhood in Le Roy IL. Graduated in 1978 from Doherty High Scool in Colorado Springs. He later joined the Navy on his 21st Birthday and lived in California. My Dad passed away in 2011, along with any information regarding his adoption as well as anyone who was involved in the adoption. I’m searching for my paternal grandparents or any family I may be related to. My Dad was born with a condition where he had to wear braces on his legs. I was told he may have 2 half brothers on his Biological mothers side. I have no information regarding birth father, he may not have ever known he had a son. Any new information I can gather I will update.
1586. Mollycourcelle123 : Norfolk‚ VA Norfolk General Hospital Child and Family Services
1587. CynthiaDG85 : Looking for my two daughters Haley and Caliyana They were adopted by Theresa and Roger Sims in Richlands Va when my rights were terminated in 2004. They went to a private school in Richlands Va and are now 19 and 17 years old. They have 2 other sisters and 4 brothers who would love to meet them and have always known about their big sisters. We just want to know them and let them know we love them and hope that we can add onto their lives with more siblings and love. I have never stopped loving them or missing them and praying to meet them again when the time is right.
1588. Sandra1976 : Adopted daughter born. 11/17/1976 Children’s Home Society in Roanoke VA Born at Community Hospital in Roanoke Known as Baby Girl Wheeler Mother was Sandra Leigh Wheeler
1589. Coolpeace1969 : I am looking for my sister or brother born 1966-1967 either in Petersburg or Hopewell VA or maybe near Beckley WV my mothers name is Linda Sue Jones or puckett father Roger Dale Fisher her mother handled the adoption Anna Pearl Jones or puckett. The child was adopted at birth and I believe taken out of state. Patricia Wilson may have been involved.
1590. Davinie : I was born in Lynchburg VA. I was also born with some minor birth defects which would be redily known to a birth parent.
