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
2206. MarissaCollins : I’m not sure which day or state she was born in. My grandfather handled the entire birthing and adoption process. So my mother who was 14 at the time was taken to many different states and she doesn’t know the day or place she gave birth at. I’ve been searching for her ever since I learned of her. My mother was told she passed and I’d like to find out if it’s true or not.
2207. Jcr94 : I was born in Fredericksburg‚ VA‚ but that’s about as much as I know. My mother’s name was/is Tracy Fortune.
2208. ACSiebert : I am pretty sure that a Danielle Ngo and husband Andrew adopted my son‚ Ryan. This is how the events happened. . . I was robbed at gun point one night in October 2014. The cops came and gave my children (Ryan‚ then 10‚ and Sophia‚ then 8) to the robbers to "care for." I was taken away to some kind of psychological facility (it was not a hospital.) Then fast forward to now. I have not saw them since that fateful night. My children were stolen from me‚ because they thought that I was schizophrenic. I am not schizophrenic‚ but I was homeless. (I was made homeless by a Judge in Ohio‚ over a Will Contest.) Because of being homeless and with no proper clothing and transportation to the Court‚ I could not make the Court dates. In time‚ when I finally was able to make contact with the Court the Judge did not want to hear from me‚ the Mother. I have reason to believe that Sophia and Ryan are brainwashed into thinking that I am mentally sick and "never going to get better." I do not know that they would want to look for me‚ based on the severe brainwashing children in foster care receive from "counsellors." I have been devastated by the actions of those that night (the Police and the Robbers.) Also‚ my brother and sister who were suing me prior to losing my children to CPS‚ were witnesses that I was "mistreating" my children. I was accused of "educational and medical neglect." My children were homeschooled and never got vaccines. I had a religious exemption‚ yet that was not heeded by the Court of the Judge. I tried to countersue to no avail. The Judge in that case would not even listen to me‚ either. I do not where the current foster parents live‚ and I do not know for sure that they were adopted out. That is what my winner attorney told me‚ but she lied a lot. She never wanted to defend me‚ until she realized that I was not the bad parent that I was made out to be. I have waited all this time to reunite with MY children‚ because that was not an option ever‚ at any prior moment. My children were kept from me. I was devastated and still am. I am broken because of losing my children. My children lost their mother only because of the lies of a number of others‚ like Gretchen Andersen and Jeffrey‚ and Trina Elieff and David‚ Mark Siebert and Mark Siefring. All a bunch of thieving liars. . .I want MY children back in one piece and not hating their loving Mother. God gave those children to me. Yet I appreciate that strangers took care of my children - the foster family. My sister and brother could not be trusted because of the money interest that they had. Please help me find them. . .I love you Ryan! I l love you Sophia!
2209. Ettsea : Name given at birth - Michelle. Birth was at Virginia Beach General‚ Virginia Beach‚ Va. After her birth she was left at the hospital for adoption. Mother’s last name is J. Hopkins‚ Norfolk‚ Va. She now lives in Chesapeake‚ Va.‚ and last name now is Ballance. The Nurse that helped Miss Hopkins was Mrs. Adkins Norfolk‚ Va. She lived on Lathan Road.
2210. Smiver : Looking for birth parents of a baby boy born 10/3/1972 in Richmond‚ VA (Caucasian). Born to a college student Mother‚ and a Father who was a truck driver at the time.
2211. JacquelynWallace764 : Was adopted in the year of 1968 to someone‚ approx 5-6 years old‚ his caregiver at the time was called Mama Hyte or Hite in Alexandria‚ Virginia. I had called several times and all she would tell me was that child protective service had him. I called cps and they informed me he was adopted out due to abandonment in which I did not. I explained to them that Mama Hite knew I was in Tampa Florida and couldn’t get back because I was stranded and had to find a job to get the money to come back and they informed me that I had a hearing date to be there or would be adopted. I couldn’t do it at the time. I loved my son he was my first born and I still love him. I have done so many searches without any luck. I was told that Mama Hite’s son was an Attorney‚ so I don’t know‚ I just keep searching with no luck. I just hope who ever adopted Brian was good to him. He would be 59 years old now.
2212. Raineyeyz1120 : I would really love to meet you one day Sarah Elizabeth and see what a beautiful woman you turned into. I’d also love to meet your brothers and see Tricia and Bob again. I’m really excited and hope that you will meet me.
2213. Angelamarshall1970 : Searching for my mothers first born son 1967‚ Richmond area I believe‚ and catholic charities was involved. He was taken from her and put up for adoption. She was very young. I know she searched for years and now I want to search.
2214. Tasha199312 : I’m not sure if I was adopted or not family won’t give me no information.
2215. Lovemyangels86 : Im looking for my brother. Born Christopher Lee Polley. Our father who passed away on Easter Sunday this year was named John Jay Polley. I was told his moms name was Janie. He was 18 months at time of adoption I believe. My name is Helen Rutherford (polley) by birth.
2216. Mothercass : The young man I’m trying to help is my nephew best friend. The only he knows is he was adopted at 3 days old . He lived in Martinsburg west Virginia. Year Born 2003 born in May 17th and adopted on or around May 20th. He is full blooded native American. I know there is a resavashons around w Virginia and Pennsylvania. Please if you may know anything reach out to me. He not in a safe place and living on the streets. His adopted family kicked him out a few years back. Please Please if you are his family or may know something please reach out help me find his blood family it would let him know he is not alone adopted family last name is Beck
2217. Ryan195 : her name is elaine last name used too be embery before she was adopted
2218. Aod8891 : Birthparents- Mother was senior in high school‚ father was sophomore in college. I was adopted from the Children’s Home Society in Virginia. I was brought to the facility 11 days after being born . in other words‚ I was taken home and then given up for adoption. Birthname: Melissa Anne Keith
2219. Inoe1 : Our mother is Paula Morataya Coyan
2220. Nsavala : Portsmouth Naval Hospital in Virginia Birth Mom was 16 Betty Louise Allen May 27 1957 was date baby born Baby Boy Finalized on 6/3/1957
