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 1,204,964 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
1696. LaurenB17 : I’m searching for my grandmother’s birth parents. She was placed for adoption August 1949 and the only information known is the last name Chitwood and they were from Redwood Virginia. Searching for medical reasons my grandmother passed in 2007 and my father is having issues.
1697. DTichner : My Dad was born Edward Linwood Clinton. His name was changed to Wesley Spouse when he was adopted. He passed away in 2001, so I’m just trying to find out family history.
1698. Cryleigh97 : Hi, I’m Crystal, I’m helping my boyfriend in the search for his birth parents! Born in Norfolk, VA March 29th, 1993
1699. Mam20442 : Had three older siblings. Caucasian mother and Hispanic father. Born in Mecklenburg County.
1700. Marilynlbell : I lived at the "Florence Crittendon" maternity home in N.W. Washington‚ D.C. during and after delivery. My son was born at George Washington Hospital. The adoption agency was Catholic Charities out of Arlington VA. Final Adoption was done in Fairfax County Court House. I was 15 yrs old and dob is 11/04/1959. I named him Robert Daniel Bell‚ my name was Marilyn L Bell. The doctors name that delivered my son is Knudsen.
1701. Deb707 : Dorothy Bellamy Herbert Love Bristol, VA Bristol, TN BLOUNTVILLE, TN
1702. Spin359 : I’m looking for my birth mother, I was born in Richmond VA, and i was adopted out by catholic home charities. September 1980. (9/17/80 Is on the birth certificate, but it was signed by a judge in the late 80’s and we are unsure if its correct)
1703. Burnone218 : Original last name Beckner
1704. Joe7073 : Joe born 4-7-55 (we think) was told that he was found as a new born in the middle of the road. Fast forward he was adopted between 61-63 from some orphanage in Virginia and moved to N.C. This is all the info that we have. He has done Ancestry DNA and has filled out the form for a non-identify. Does this ring any bells for anyone? Update: Found out he was not adopted in Va. so now we assume it was from NC
1705. KathyCPerkins : This child was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond VA. Adoption took place through Catholic Family and Children’s Services.
1706. KimberlyaB : I was born in Washington DC and I have no knowledge of the hospital name my fathers name was juan, and my mothers name was Kim
1707. Rebelndixie : Searching for a Tracey Nicole Lyons
1708. Asmall1964 : Birthmother was Sandra Sue Pidcock, McMullen, Estep, Weaver. We do not know if there are more siblings out there. Nor do we know where or when this person was born except maybe 60’s and 70’s. I have done GED match and 23 & me.
1709. Topaz93 : I am searching for my biological father and any potential siblings. I have exchanged letters with my bio mom when I was little and met her a couple of times. As far as I know‚ I have no biological siblings through her. I was not ready or in a good state of mind when I met her. I’m hoping to try giving it a second chance at some point in the future.
1710. Maggiemae0401 : I was with foster parents until the adoption was finalized April, 1968. They called me Betty.
