Adoption & Sealed Birth Records in Virginia

Many grown adoptees want to look for their biological parents. Sometimes it's curiosity, and sometimes it's medical information. Many birth parents spend most of their lives wondering how that child is doing, and may seek out the child they gave up for adoption. Every state has a different set of rules as to what information can be released to adoptees about their parents or to birth parents about their child.

  1. Adoptees

    • According to Virginia law, adoptees can request non-identifying information about their families. Adult adoptees can also get identifying information if consent is on file from the birth parent.

    Adoptive Parents

    • Adoptive parents have similar rights to adult adoptees. They get non-identifying information about the birth family and can get identifying information if there is consent. Adoptive parents can, with approval, exchange pictures and letters with birth parents.

    Birth Parents

    • Birth parents can release information or keep it private. They can send a letter to keep with adoption records.Once an adoptee is 21, the birth parent can seek identifying information if the adoptee allows it. They can also trade pictures or letters.

    Medical Exceptions

    • Urgent medical, psychological or genetic information is the only exception to breaking sealed records without consent on file. The agency that conducted the adoption will act as intermediary and facilitate the exchange of information.

    Timeline

    • Virginia has adoption records dating back to July 1, 1942.

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