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.
Register NowRECENT MEMBERS IN Virginia
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A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within Virginia Who Chose To Be Featured
526. DaddyRon : I’m looking for my three sons that were put up for adoption because we couldn’t take care of them: Ronald Glenn Sprowl D.O.B 12-14-90, BJ Hatfield D.O.B 7-4-92, Luke A. Hatfield D.O.B. 8-8-93 I has their birth issued Social Security Numbers
527. DaddyRon : I’m trying to find my son BJ Hatfield
528. DaddyRon : I’m looking for my son’s. Luke you were born in Metairie, LA July 4th 93
529. Cashmier25 : My mom Shelley Spaulding gave birth to a little girl name Shelby Spaulding at Mcv in Richmond va in January 1991 Shelley Spaulding also gave birth to me robin mason and I was born may 2nd 1990 my mom Shelley Spaulding was born in Chicago Illinois
530. Chuckweary : She was very young when she had me.
531. Cathy15 : Born in Portsmouth, VA
532. Tcm79 : I believe I was called baby boy franklin think my biological mothers first name is evelyn born in Syracuse NY. They gave me to the state then got me back 3 weeks later and gave me to my adopted mom who took me to virginia
533. Hodgesweld : My mother was born in 1933. She was adopted by Andy and Edith Miller at age approx.. 8 years old in Richmond, VA. She had told us her real name was Virgie Lee Mitchell. Her name was later changed to Peggy Lee Miller. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Her daughter, Linda
534. Kap32 : Robert,gilbert earl kindred
535. Fordfamily : my mother’s second child.(Cerelia C Ford)
536. Taylorva : Last Name At Birth Was Gibson
537. TammyCraig : Looking for biological mom and or family members. Mothers name at birth is known to be M. Snapp. The females name at birth was Cherrie Ann Snapp born at MCV Hospital in Richmond, Va.
538. Tumble1966 : This past year my half sister and I matched on Ancestry. We share the same father. We have confirmed his paternity with further genetic testing. My sister’s name is Angelique Michele Jones. She was born on July 10, 1965. Her father is Andrew McGuckin. He was not aware of the pregnancy or birth. He doesn’t know who the mother is. The only non identifying info she has about her mother is that she was 22, Irish, blue eyed, red/ blond hair, unmarried and Catholic. Her adoptive mother has taunted her about having more info but either says she won’t tell her or says something and then says it’s not true. The adoptive mother has also said that bio mom tried to contact her once but adoptive mother turned her away. She has also repeatedly said that the bio mother was from Pennsylvania. Our family is from Brooklyn. In tracing her DNA matches on Ancestry, she seems to be related to families that all came from Brooklyn. She has a 2nd cousin match to a Byrnes fanily also Hickies, Fords and Lyons.
539. Alleyva0303 : Birth name Cherrie Ann Snapp Birth mother M Snapp Born at ... MCV Richmond VA Adoption Agency - Hopewell VA Mother lived with sister and brother in law at time of birth
540. Snoop123 : hi, I’m searching to find my mothers biological mother. my was born 1978 and adopted within a year I think, however I don’t have much information. but figured this was worth a try for her. I believe my mothers name given to her at birth was Daniela Marie, not sure of a last name. although when she was adopted they changed her name. she was born in Alexandria hospital Virginia. and all she ever told me was her mother was to young to raise her. later on in her life when she did try to look for her biological mother the hospital ha no records of her even being born, so it became impossible for her. but I would like to make it possible again. please help!
