Sealed records - where to get them BEFORE the adoption is final?

Gershom

check your inbox :) I just sent you some information, I hope it helps.

LaurieDB

As far as birth record goes, they are public record in some states, not so in others. There are various rules as to who you need to be to get a copy in some states.

What you can do is apply for a copy of it with the Dept. of Vital Statistics. DO NOT MENTION ADOPTION!!!!! Although the records aren't sealed because there's been no adoption yet, you may get the run around from a worker who just "doesn't think you should have it."

Do you have a relationship with the mother? If so, in states that have tougher relationship requirements for access, she would have an easier go of getting the birth certificate for the child since the child is not adopted yet by someone else. She is still the mother on the birth record, and the record isn't sealed.

When I was searching for my siblings, I requested and received a couple of different copies of birth certificates of people who I thought might be my siblings. It turned out they weren't, so I shredded them. In California I was able to do this. In my neighboring state of Nevada, however, I would not be able to do so; birth records aren't public records in Nevada.

Lori A

I don't have an answer for you but want to say woo hoo on you getting this taken care of on behalf of an adoptee.

sam22254

I'm not sure the answer. When my son went to get his son birth records they wouldn't give it to him even through he had the dna test showing he was the father and the court records showing that he was fighting for his son he had to get the birth record through his lawyer which he the lawyer got through discover through the adoption agency. And the adoption wasn't ever final and still isn't..

Dayle

Our adoption was final in June, once we were approved, we were given all of our son's medical records and all of the court documents. The normal protocol, is to black out the first mom's information but because we knew her, they didn't black out this information. As far as the original birth certificate, I am not sure. We had his, because we were his care-givers before we adopted him.

sizesmith

Ask, in writing, to the person who will be representing the child through the adoption person, whether it be the state's attorney, or your attorney.

They should give you his/her medical information, to the point that they have it It will probably have any identifying information, such as names, former social security numbers, etc, blacked out on it. While the TPR is still going on, mother to mother, you can address a letter to the bio mom, and ask her for your child's sake. You might include a non-identifying picture of the child, such as against a brick wall that isn't your house, or a tree, but not at the city park, etc. You can also ask her in your letter, how much the child weighed when they were born, how long they were, how long she was in labor. Also, assure her in your letter that you're asking for the child to know later on, not to be invasive.

We were so fortunate to have the medical information available through our private adoption. In our state, it is mandatory that the information be given as accurately as possible.

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