Many individuals seek access to their adoption records for deeply personal reasons. Some hope to reconnect with their birth parents, while others require essential medical history. Unfortunately, Texas law mandates that adoption records remain sealed, making it challenging to obtain this information. However, there are several legal avenues available to help you navigate the process.
If you are searching for adoption records, the Law Office of David J. Rodriguez, PLLC can provide guidance and legal support. Below, we outline the primary ways to access adoption records and explore alternative options for obtaining vital ancestry and medical history.
Primary Ways to Access Adoption Records
There are several potential sources for adoption records, including:
- Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) – The DFPS provides “de-identified” copies of adoption records, meaning that birth parents’ names and identifying details are redacted. To determine if they were involved in your adoption, contact them at 512-929-6764 or 877-764-7230.
- Child Placement Agency – If a licensed adoption agency handled your case, they may provide de-identified copies of your records. You can find out which agency facilitated your adoption by reaching out to the Central Adoption Registry within the Texas Department of State Health Services at 512-458-7388.
- Court of Adoption – The court that finalized your adoption has the authority to unseal adoption records under certain conditions. To request access, you must first identify the court that processed your adoption. This information is available by submitting a VS143 Request for Identity for the Court of Adoption to the Texas Vital Statistics Unit.
- Vital Statistics Unit – If you wish to obtain your original birth certificate, you will need a court order to unseal your adoption records. The Texas Vital Statistics Unit can provide guidance on how to proceed.
- Central Adoption Registry – The Texas Central Adoption Registry enables birth parents, adult adoptees, and biological siblings to voluntarily register. If a match is found, the registry will facilitate contact between the parties. You can register by completing the necessary forms online.
Obtaining Health, Social, Educational, and Genetic Information
For many adoptees, understanding their biological background is essential for medical and personal reasons. Many genetic conditions are hereditary, and access to this information can be life-changing. In Texas, adoptees and their families may request a de-identified health and social history report about their birth parents without revealing identifying details.
You may be eligible to request this report if you are:
- The adoptive parent of a minor child
- The guardian, legal custodian, or managing conservator of an adopted child
- An adult adoptee (18 or older)
- An adult descendant of a deceased adoptee
- The surviving spouse of a deceased adoptee, if you are the parent or guardian of their child
To obtain this information, contact the child-placing agency that handled the adoption, as they are responsible for maintaining these records. If the agency is no longer in operation or if the adoption was private, you may submit a Central Adoption Registry Request for Open Records form to the Texas Vital Statistics Unit. If you need legal assistance during this process, our firm is here to help.
Helping Clients Access Their Adoption History
At the Law Office of David J. Rodriguez, PLLC, we understand how important it is to uncover your adoption history and ancestry. While identifying birth parents can be challenging, we are committed to helping clients access their health and genetic records whenever possible. If you have questions or need legal assistance, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
