CAN I ACCESS MY ADOPTION RECORDS?

In Georgia, adoption records are gene

rally sealed, making them inaccessible to the public. However, they can be unsealed under certain circumstances. Adoptees can petition the court to access their records for valid reasons, such as medical needs.

The Georgia Adoption Reunion Registry (GARR) can also assist with searches and help establish contact with biological relatives if consent is given.  It’s usually best to start with GARR first.

Steps to Access Adoption Records in Georgia:

1. Determine Eligibility:

Adoptees must be adults (18 or older), or if deceased, their adult children can petition for access.

2. Petition The Court:

File a formal petition with the Court that finalized the adoption.

3. Show Good Cause:

Provide a valid reason for needing the records, such as medical necessity or another strong justification.

4. Possible Court Outcomes:

● The court may deny the petition, thus denying access to the records.

● The court may grant the petition and unseal the records.

● The court may only unseal certain parts of the records.

● The court may appoint an intermediary to locate the birth parents and facilitate contact. 

Yes, it is possible to have your adoption records unsealed in Georgia—but what you can access depends on parental consent and, potentially, court involvement.  Start with GARR, and if necessary, prepare to petition the court for further access.

For more information, please contact The Law Office of Felita Cornog. We are here to assist.

 For more information, please contact The Law Office of Felita Cornog.  We are here to assist.