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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5,900 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 1,205,528 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
796. Softparade0 : Looking for my brother, Shane. Our mother was Christine Marie Newton from Fort Wayne, Indiana
797. Kellythagard : My father was adopted when he was a baby. From what I’ve been told, his birth parents were in an accident and were killed. I think the adoption took place in FL or Virginia but he grew up near Richmond, Virginia. His birth name was Ralph Dearheart or Dearhart or Derhart. Not sure the exact spelling. He was born on November 25, 1956. His name now is Larry Thagard.
798. Cr1972 : Looking for an older brother that would have been born in or around an unwed mothers home in the Washington DC/VA area in 1968.
799. Etheridge : Fairfax County Hospital, Falls Church VA
800. Lahurt12 : He was born at chippenham hospital in Virginia, and his given name was Christopher. His adoptive parents named him William Henry, and their last name is Harrison. He was adopted through LDS family services. He goes by Caleb
801. Cherjam : For relatives of David Russell Flannigan. He was a truck driver so he’s been around. Any children of David Russell Flannigan please contact me ASAP.
802. Kimberlys : I was born at Stuart Circle Hospital in Richmond VA and have been told that my birth mother’s last name was Weaver.
803. Shundley : Nancy Wentz was born 10/21/36 in Danville, VA. Looking for relatives
804. Feglover28 : I was born in Arlington VA and placed with a foster care agency which I believe was a Catholic agency. I lived with a foster family in Springfield VA til aopted December 22, 1989
805. BigE9876 : For health history and personal fulfillment Born in Bethesda Naval Hospital Birth mother believed to be 19 years of age Adopted through Catholic Charities in Fairfax Virginia Adopted parents are Philip and Nancy
806. AHayden : Birth certificate states name as Noel Bradley. Adopted through Children’s Home Society. Born in Northern Virginia Birth mark on lower back
807. LadyBear : My adoption was through Catholic Charities, Arlington, VA. My birth was in Washington, D.C. birth No. 57-25024 Doctor’s name: George B. Hewlett. For decades I reached out but my birthfather talked to Catholic Charities a few times but timing was bad and he couldn’t deal with contact. He did (as he promised) reach out to me in January 2016. He had to petition the courts to allow contact which they approved and I was given his number to call him. Our first call he gave me my birthmothers name so I’d have it if after our talk I did not want to talk to him again lol. 6 months later using “TheFinder” my mother was found, sadly and ironically she died one day before I knew her name :( I met my birthfather twice, sadly he died Jan. 2017 It meant the world to me that I could meet a birthparents, let them know I was okay and loved them both. My birthmother’s neighbor handled her estate and destroyed paperwork and photo’s, all she could offer was her death certificate. She did say she saw paperwork of where her adopted father changed her name. Yes, she was also adopted. The court won’t give me access to her true birth certificate, even though I petitioned the court for access. The law even says those born before 1940 didn’t have to jump through hoops to get it. My birthmother’s name Karen Lu Alter born April 30 1937 in Sioux City Iowa. Her adoptive parents ran an orphanage with 9 children, they only adopted her. She did marry but had no children. Her husbands family did find a photo of her and sent it to me (WooHoo). My birthfather was Ewing John Lucas Nov 30 1934. Since my birthmother was adopted I’ve been trying to find her birthparents to complete my family tree. Laura
808. Erfiddle : I was born 2/7/82 in Montgomery County hospital in VA and adopted from Giles County social services at 3 months old in May of 1982. Lived in Lynchburg. My birth mom was 16 or 17 and birth dad was 18. Looking to find both of them and/or any relatives. I know she had red hair, went to Giles High School and wrote me a letter saying she wanted to meet me, but the adoption file redacted her name. Any help appreciated! Thanks.
809. Dpondt : Alexandria hospital taken from Virginia to New York and adopted by an older couple that were Jewish . Adoption was thru a lawyer.
810. NickolausJames : Looking for Kristin’s birth mother. She was 14 months old when she was adopted through Catholic Charities but we are unsure if she was in an orphanage or with the birth mother. The couple that adopted her moved back to New York City shortly after.
