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 1,204,963 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
451. 1967VAAdoptee : I was born in July of 1967 and adopted in September 1967 through the Children’s Home Society. My birth Mother (Shirley) was born in 1933 in Rappahannock VA and was divorced from a Mr. Henry at the of my birth. In some research on the divorce decree, it is listed as four children as a result of that marriage. But, at the time Shirley gave me up, she only listed two children. There may be other children born to her before and after my birth. She died in West Virginia using the name Charlotte Ball in the late 1980s. My Birth Father is believed to be a Willard Perry Kampbell Jr, died in 1999. Shirley put another name as my birth Father but after a researcher helped me as much as she could, it was determined that Mr. Kampbell Jr was my biological Father.
452. ReaganD2000 : Hi! My brother who is about to turn ten has been in and out of the system and I think he was finally adopted. His birth name is Andrew James Davis. I haven’t seen him since he was about 1 year old. I just want to know that he’s okay.
453. Madicat44 : The mother’s maiden name was Tanya Bjune
454. JessicaValladares : I am searching for my mothers biological mother Judith Miller whom lost her 3 daughters in Norfolk, VA in the 70’s. Daughters 1. Tracey Lynn Edwards adopted last name Pipes, 02/04/68, Norfolk VA 2. Laura Denise Edwards adopted last name Pipes, 04/12/67, Monroe AK 3. Jamie Lea Edwards adopted last name Pipes, 05/13/64, DeWitt, AK Parents Mother - Judith/Judy Miller, info unknown. Maybe Born in Arkansas Father - James Gilford Edwards - B: 01/03/44 D: 02/21/83 I was told James worked at the Norfolk ship yard, but I don’t know if they confused that with their adopted father Judd Pipes whom also worked there. I am not sure when the 3 girls were taken away. I know it was around 1974 my mom was about 5 or 6.. their parents left them with a baby sitter whom died... She was dead for about 3 days with the girls before anyone found them... that’s when they went into foster care.. and from what I was told.. the parents never really tried to get them. I’m also not really sure when they were adopted, they were in and out of foster care a lot before. I found and reached out to Judd Douglas Pipes (the man who adopted them) on Facebook but he wouldn’t or didn’t know very much and stopped responding. I don’t nor do they have any documents.. They know from memories her name was Judy/Judith... we used to have 1 photo of her with her name on it (Judith Miller)... not sure which one is her birth name.. I was told her middle name was Ann but I’m also not sure if that was true... I was told she was also from Arkansas but I have no proof.
455. Jonrabourn : I’ve been told i was adopted out of Richmond, va. I was 6wks old. I was adopted by a military family.
456. Kittywitz123 : Was adopted from the Childrens Home Society of Virginia. Final Order in the Hustings Court in the City Of Petersburg VA March 31st 1959
457. Riverrun9 : My aunt during childbirth,in richmond va ,mcv,her birth father killed himself and she and the others were put up foe adoption!
458. BeneMichelle : Dr Kazuko Price Alexandria Hospital Birthmom Jacqueline Carey (sp?) Birthname Bene Michelle
459. Sethigpen : My mother gave birth at the hospital in Roanoke, VA in the spring of 1968 to a son. He was signed over to Social Services at birth.
460. Gwendolyn42059 : Searching for birth parents and siblings. I believe my birth family may have lived in the Ashland‚ or Hanover areas of Virginia. I was born at the Medical College of Virginia Hospital at 8:19 am. I was once told I had a brother that was one or two years older than myself. Both of us were taken from my mother by the state of Virginia and placed in foster care. I was about 6 months old at the time. Eventually‚ my birth mother sighed me over to the state for adoption. It was my impression that she wanted to keep my brother. I was told that his name may have been Calvin and the last name may have been Eddy. I was also told that my birth mother’s father may have been blind in one eye. I am desperately seeking any family members. I am 58 years old and have a deep need to find my birth family. Just in case my Mother reads this‚ please know I hold no ill feelings toward you. Just need to see a face that looks like mine. I also‚ need some medical history.
461. DianaRakhmatullina : Im looking for my BROTHER 09/04/1987 adopted from RUSSIA in 1990. Adoption from city of UFA‚ REPUBLIC OF BASHKORTOSTAN‚ RUSSIA. his birth name ROMAN KARACHURIN but it could been change for FAIL or FANIL before parents who adopted gave him a new name. Birth mother name LIANA KARACHURINA 05/17/1968 . the adopted country can be UNITES STADES OF AMERICA ‚state of COLORADO. Im looking for any information .... please help me to find my brother. (me and our sister lives in NEW YORK)
462. Hope_To_See : Our daughter was born in Roanoke, VA on October 3rd, 1999. We would very much like to find her!
463. 1codfish : I was born January 8, 1966 at Norfolk General Hospital. I have found my birth mother & family, but have not been successful locating my birth father. My mother’s name was Sharon Flanigan. Sadly, she passed away before I could meet her. All I know is she worked at McCoy’s Drug Store with a man named Joe. Her family recalls his name was Joe Russo, or similar, but I can’t find him in Ancestry or 23andMe. I do know I have 2 cousins, whose last names are Simme (from Lancaster NY area).
464. SRush68 : Fairfax, Va Department of Public Welfare Frances Duffy, Superintendent February 14, 1969 Placement Agreement
465. Lif3izgud : Birth mother mary branch charlton
