Adoptions FAQs
- How do I get a copy of my original birth certificate?
Once the Adoption Matching Registry form is complete, our office provides an unofficial copy of the certificate of live birth. The adoptee or requestor would then get official information from the county which the adoption took place.
- Can family members of a deceased adoptee order the adoptee’s original birth certificate?
Eligible family members can receive an unofficial copy of the birth certificate through the Adoption Matching Registry. Individuals eligible for the Adoption Matching Registry include adult adoptees, adoptive parents, birth parents, and birth siblings. Spouses and relatives of deceased adoptees or deceased birth parents may register with the appropriate proof of relationship
- What happens if my birth parent has filed a contact preference form indicating they do not want my original birth certificate released?
Vital Records must abide by the content of the contact preference form.
- I’ve requested and received my original birth certificate but didn’t get any medical information. Can you tell me how to obtain medical records?
Available medical history is dependent on the year of birth. Medical history information is unavailable prior to 1986. Vital Records may not have the information on file, and therefore the request for this information was not provided.
- How do I get more information about my adoption or about searching for my birth parent(s) ?
Complete the forms for The Adoption Matching Registry. For more information, visit the adoption page.
- What is a confidential intermediary?
Confidential Intermediaries (CIs) are trained and certified by the Director of the Social Services Administration to search, contact and assist in the reunification of birth relatives.
- Am I allowed to contact my birth parents if I received my original birth certificate but no contact preference form or medical history?
If birth parents have not provided a contact preference form, the birth parents may be contacted. Available medical history is dependent on the year of birth.
- Why is my birth father’s information not on the original birth certificate?
The birth father’s information may have been unknown, or the birth parents may have been unmarried.
- Do I get to refuse or consent to release of my identifying information to my birth parent?
Yes, this information is on the Adoption Matching Registry form, the adult adoptee can select this option.
- If my birth parent has filed a contact preference form, does it expire?
Birth parents can choose to designate an expiration date on the contact preference form. If the form is set to expire, Vital Records would follow proper procedures that are on the contact preference form.
- Will you be able to tell me if my birth parent has died?
Vital Records does not have that information.
