For adult adoptees, sealed adoption records often mean unanswered questions. Whether you are seeking information about your family’s medical history or simply want a more complete understanding of your adoption story, Claiborne | Fox | Bradley | Goldman can assist you in obtaining your adoption records in Georgia.
What does it mean to unseal adoption records?
Adoption records in Georgia are sealed at the time the adoption is finalized and remain closed to the public. Access to them requires a court order. This is intended to provide birth parents and adoptive families with privacy. However, not having access to these records can sometimes be frustrating for adoptees.
By unsealing your adoption records, you may be able to:
- meet your birth family. If you are interested in a reunion with your birth parents, unsealing your adoption records can assist you in your search.
- access medical information. Unsealing your adoption records may provide you with important information about your family medical history, which could help keep you healthy.
- obtain identification documents. In some cases, an original adoption decree may be required to obtain a passport or complete other important tasks.
How can I unseal my adoption records?
Like all matters involving adoption, each case is fact-specific, and some cases require more attorney involvement than others. If you are searching for Georgia adoption records, the Georgia Adoption Reunion Registry may be all you need to obtain the information you are seeking about your adoption. Similarly, you may be able to find adoption records in through the Confidential Intermediary Services.
If you are not able to find the information you need through the above resources, the attorneys of Claiborne | Fox | Bradley | Goldman can assist you in petitioning the court for access to your adoption records. We can provide all of the legal services you need, including:
- filing a petition with the court to unseal adoption records on file with the court or the state department.
- serving the state department to determine whether there is any opposition to unsealing the adoption records by another party, such as your birth parents.
- representing you at a court hearing, if necessary.
- offering referrals to counselors who specialize in adoption reunification, if you are seeking a reunion with your birth family.
- and more.
The legal process to access adoption records can vary significantly based on a number of factors, including your county, the types of records you are seeking, and whether there is any opposition to unsealing your adoption records.
To learn more about unsealing your Georgia adoption records, please contact Claiborne | Fox | Bradley | Goldman to schedule a consultation and discuss your individual circumstances in more detail.
