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 1,204,962 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.
Register NowRECENT MEMBERS IN Virginia
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A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within Virginia Who Chose To Be Featured
1681. Hmj1103 : I was born February 21, 1948 at DePaul Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. My adoption took place in Wilmington, North Carolina (New Hanover County). If you are searching for me, you may have my last name associated with Andrews or Bell.
1682. Hmj1103 : Adoptee was born February 21, 1948 at DePaul Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. Adoption took place in Wilmington, North Carolina (New Hanover County). If you are searching for me, you may have my last name associated with the last name Bell or Andrews.
1683. Emcdaniels : My father told me I may have a sibling on his death bed.
1684. Emcdaniels : My father told me on his death bed I may have a sibling
1685. YourRealtorJim : Looking for potential children I may have that I don’t know about who would have been conceived in Northern Virginia back in the 80’s. I went by the name Jim Proctor.
1686. Ajm23901 : Born in Alexandria, Va home for unwed mother’s. Father. J N Womack. Mother E Holloway
1687. Tsossei : Fairfax‚ VA Bee allergy Adopted from birth Parents were college students Father 6’3” 200 lbs. Mother 5’3”
1688. Jellybean1985 : My Dad was born August 14 1956 He was born Freddie Keith Sey I’m told and He lived as Eddie Steven Whitt which was his name my grand parents gave him when they adopted him. He was born in West Virginia I don’t know if the adoption was taken place there or another state I met his brothers an Sisters years ago when I was a child since my father has passed away December 8 2017 and I’m in search of where I come from my heritage and history an family
1689. Ashleyturpin13 : INOVA FAIRFAX hospital
1690. Tiger35 : i was told i have an older sister. not sure though.
1691. Paigegarwood : Nazarene
1692. Joverfelt : Name at Birth was Gene Allen Mullins. Born at Roanoke Memorial. Va. Was placed in Childrens home societyat birth. Salam va. Closed adoption.
1693. Coachliz : I am looking for a birth sibling. I do not know the name of my birth parents. My adoption was finalized sometime in June 1959. I was adopted by Raymond Lee Stone and Genevieve Via Stone In VA . My case worker was Betty Jo Wright maybe from Martinsville and Henry County Social Services . I may have been born in Martinsville Memorial Hospital on 2-27-1959.
1694. Coachliz : Looking for a brother or sister . I am a 61 year old adoptee looking for a sibling adopted or not. My adoption was final in June 1959 my adoptive parents are Raymond Lee And Genevieve Via Stone . In MARTINSVILLE , VA. My case worker possibly from Henry County Social Services was Betty Jo Wright, I was possibly born in Martinsville Memorial hospital , VA on 2-27-59. I do not need money or body organs I just want to find and connect with ANY SIBLINGS . Please help if you have any information at all,.
1695. Coachliz : I am a 61 year old adoptee looking for any possible siblings. My adoption was finalized in June 1959 in Martinsville , VA.My adoptive parents are Raymond Lee and Genevieve Via Stone . My case worker’s name was Betty Jo Wright possibly from Henry County Social Services. My birthday is in February , I do not need money or body organs I just want to find possible siblings as I do not have any now.
