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.
Register NowRECENT MEMBERS IN Virginia
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A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within Virginia Who Chose To Be Featured
1231. Sandia : I am searching for my birth family. I was born in Richmond Va unknown what hospital I was born in and I’m now 27 years old. My name was changed after the adoption. And my adopted mother has passed away and I believe she had most of the information about the adoption. I really desire to find out information about my birth family.
1232. Leighwill : Sarah faith arwood was married to Donald Arwood... they had a daughter named leighanna faith arwood on June 14 2000 in sevierville tn.. Donald raised leighanna. Leighanna is searching for her birth mother
1233. Guy123 : Trying to find out who my fathers biological parents were. His delayed birth certificate shows Lynchburg Va. as his birth place. However he could have been born in Roanoke Va.May 1927. Potential birth father could be William Norborne Pattie Jr. His potential birth mother could be Eunice Comer Pattie. Adoptive parents are Celestin and Alma Balencie. Guy Balencie
1234. Bhop7777 : Don’t know much....Just know I was adopted at birth in Richmond VA
1235. Camrodenberger : my birth mother, Rebecca Ann Hough gave a daughter up for adoption sometime between 1957 and 1960. My mother is now deceased so I’m limited on information. I believe the birth was in a hospital in Hopewell, VA
1236. AmIYou : Looking for my birth mother and possible birth father. Have very few details other than above. I heard that my mom was young when I was born possibly still a teenager. Closed adoption. Middle name is Rose with initials being A.R.H
1237. Nmbrown : Born in Washington DC Providence Hosp. Adoption handled through Catholic Charities Arlington, Virginia
1238. Jarsenault76 : I have no idea anything about my birth parents. it was a closed and supposedly blacked out adoption. it was fairfax hospital on july 26, 1976. i was adopted at birth. no idea what names are or anything.
1239. Skyblue10 : Looking for any siblings that might have born in 1967 or 1968 or 1969 The hospital could’ve been in Washington state or Salt Lake City Utah. The birth mother Joyce Elizabeth Chaston was a young mother at the time between 24 years old to 26 years old from Salt Lake City Utah. At the time could of had more children her last names she had was Binch, Rasmussen, Armitage, Taylor, Monge and maybe Murphey
1240. Char839 : I’m looking for my half brother who was born & adopted in Washington DC or the surrounding VA or MD areas. His birth mother was really young and was sent to a home for pregnant girls. His birth mothers name is Debbie Muddiman. He was born sometime in 1970-71.
1241. Msheifner : Adoption took place in Hampton, VA. The birth mother was only 13 years old.
1242. David715 : Were you born on March 3 1974 at McDonald Army Hospital Fort Eustis Virginia? Were born at 8:12am? Were you adopted on May 4 1977 in Newport News Juvenile and Domestic relations district court?. Then we need to talk.
1243. Itsmignonne : Born at John Gaston hospital, TN.
1244. Dongotti0 : I don’t know much. I just wanna find my brother he was a baby when my mom did this. I never got to see or meet him. If I seen him I wouldn’t even know what he look like.
1245. Dolan : I am a white female and I am searching for my Birth Mother. She was a mid teen and put me up for adoption thru Catholic Charities. I was told My mom was long dark hair and my father was blonde hair blue eyes. I was also told my mom was artistic and the father was to old for her and her parents were afraid if she kept me she wouldn’t finish school. Birth mother was thought to live in Arlington Va I was born Feb 1970 Birth grandparents were happy I was going to another part of Va.
