how can i get my adoption papers if the files are sealed?

Answer 1

Adoption papers is supposed to be accessible to the person adopted to know his background and status validity.

Answer 2

Hate to dispute another poster... but adoption files are sealed for a reason.. to protect the identity of the bio parent, who often does NOT choose to have further contact. SOME agencies have a policy to release NON IDENTIFYING info (like medical) to adoptees, but I don't know of any legal requirement that they do so.
IF there is a real emergency situation (life or death) that needs the info, you can petition a court for access. I have a son who is privately adopted, and I maintained a "link" to the bio family, that if my son wanted to find them, I would be able to contact them and ask if they wanted the contact.
Doing tons of genealogical research, I do understand why adoptees want to know. However, the law does recognize that the bio parents also have rights, including the right of no contact.
Your other option is to try one of many adoption search websites, and try to see if the bio parent has registered. Or, see if your adoptive parents are willing to help. Please remember their feelings.. some of them feel abandoned by the child, and others have no problem with it. Sometimes they are very much aware that the bio parent would be emotionally harmful if found.

Answer 3

Each state is different with regards to what will be released. Also bear in mind that many counties within each state will have their own interpretation of the law. I'm going to assume that you're in Texas based on your screen name, but if your adoption happened outside of Texas, you can see a state by state list of laws here

http://laws.adoption.com/statutes/state-adoption-laws.html

Texas state law does claim you are entitled to your original birth certificate. You'll want to see the Texas link off the above page.

When it comes to the actual adoption papers, unfortunately even if you are an adult you should expect to be treated as a child and denied access to what is yours. People will give you a lot of flack about your desire to search and own what is yours by right. You need to hold the thought that these people are not adopted and therefore cannot possibly understand.

You'll want to join a state support group. If you go to Yahoo groups and search for adoption plus the name of the state you were adopted in, such as 'adoption texas', you will be able to find people who are in search and reunion now and will be able to guide you.

Good luck and feel free to email me if you need further direction.

Answer 4

i think you have to be 18 in order to do that and then the biological mother and/or father has to give premission to the adopting agency so that the child can start to communicate with them. you might also want to take a look at the adoption laws in your state and see what they say.