Annotate Legal New York Adoption Forms For Free

Adoption records are sealed at the time of the adoption and are not public. You need a court order to open them. To get a court order, contact the Adoptions Clerk at the Surrogate Court or Family Court in the borough where you think the adoption took place.

Because California is a closed records state, there's no legal mechanism to gain access to California sealed adoption records without the consent of those involved in the adoption. That said, there's no law against sharing information voluntarily to facilitate a reunion.

You'll need to file a petition with the county clerk's office where your adoption was finalized. The petition will explain your reasons for requesting your original birth certificate. Unfortunately, medical need is usually the only instance where strict adoption access states will approve your petition.

Public agencies do not charge a fee to foster or adopt children who are in the legal custody and guardianship of the public agency or foster care system. Private agencies charge fees for families who wish to adopt a child both inside and outside of New York State.

Will I need to pay for adoption services? There are no fees when adopting through the City of New York. The homestudy will be prepared without cost to you and financial assistance is often available to cover legal fees.

Submit an application and medical history information, complete a national and state criminal background check, and complete a check by the New York Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment. Complete the home study process. Attend agency-sponsored training.