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
1051. SusanElizabeth66 : I was born at Alexandria Hospital, September 3, 1966. I was placed with Catholic Charitys.
1052. Pauly73 : Was born 1-16-73 in Richmond Va. Adopted out of chesterfield county sosial services . My mother named me Jeffrey Scott _______? If therfe is anyone that knows of me and or someone in my family pls contact me . Thank you Michael
1053. KelleyEllis : Looking for a female biracial named Madeline. Parents that adopted her are named Chris and Amy from Arlington Virginia. It was an open adoption through Bethany Christian Services in Charlottesville Virginia. She was born August 31 and adopted the same day in either 2000 or 2001
1054. Annulis94 : My biological mother is Thai and my biological father is from Baton Rouge Lousiana where I was born. I have a biological sister who is 11 months younger then me, we got adopted together and a biological brother who is two years younger then me and my sister and I have never met. My sister and I were adopted in the state of Virginia When we were just babied and have never met our biological parents or siblings.
1055. Cmll : I am a twin. Born in Fairfax‚ VA . Birth mother comes from a large family in WVA.
1056. Tgannon1423 : My name is Tierney Gannon. I am looking for my half-sister who was born in April 1995. Her parents are Patrick M. Gannon and Abigail L. Haw (now Phelps), who met at Morehead Staate University. I do not know my sister’s name since all documents that I have access to only list her as "Baby Girl Haw" or "Haw."
1057. LACopenhaver : Born at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, VA
1058. AnnieF1939 : About 1943-44 my younger sister and I were adopted out through the Children’s Bureau of Norfolk, Virginia. Through Norfolk Court Records I learned that in 1943 a couple, Orville E. and Eleanor Schriber Smith, filed a Petition to adopt my sister, Pauline Hurst, b. 10-14-1942, and intended to rename her Janet Mae Smith. The petition was dismissed in 1945. That’s where her trail ended. In 1994 I learned that my biological mother was Lethea Hurst from Williamston, NC, who was born in 1917 and passed away in 1959. Recently, I learned that in 1945 the Smiths, Orville E., Eleanor M. and Janet M. were living in Dade County, FL. I believe that the Janet M. Smith on that 1945 Florida State Census is my birth sister. I traced her to Asheville, NC in 1970 but have again lost her. I hope that Adopted.com will provide a link to my sister.
1059. Monica1961 : Norfolk, Virginia
1060. Justine86 : Spending my whole life hoping your life is beautiful
1061. Log2006 : Dawn Michelle Via was the last name that was given mary immaculate hospital was where she was born Peninsula Catholic home Bureau
1062. Ct26870 : Petersburg general hospital, Virginia
1063. Sheliaatkins : Just trying to find my siblings I believe their was 8 of us
1064. Slr1984 : DePaul hospital Birth name Shakima Birth parents had children before adoption, perhaps after as well
1065. Chris1961 : I was born 9/4/1961 in Portsmouth VA at Portsmouth General Hospital. Came home from hospital with adoptive parents and lived in Portsmouth. I believe adoption became final couple years later
