Adoption records in Texas are sealed once an adoption is finalized. This means that the information is kept confidential to protect the privacy of the adoptee, the adoptive family, and the biological parents. Still, many adoptees and birth relatives later want to know: How can I get adoption records in Texas?
The answer depends on whether you are seeking identifying or non-identifying information, and whether you qualify under Texas law to request access.
WHY ARE ADOPTION RECORDS SEALED?
Texas law requires that adoption records be sealed to:
- Protect the child’s privacy
- Respect the confidentiality of birth parents
- Safeguard the adoptive family’s rights
While this ensures stability and security, there are legal ways to obtain some or all adoption records.
WHAT RECORDS ARE SEALED?
The following records are sealed after an adoption in Texas:
- The original birth certificate (an amended certificate is issued with adoptive parents’ names)
- Court documents related to the adoption
- Termination of parental rights orders
- Social worker reports and agency files
HOW TO ACCESS ADOPTION RECORDS IN TEXAS
1. Request Non-Identifying Information
Adoptees and adoptive families may request non-identifying details from the agency or court, including:
- Medical history of the birth family
- Ethnic, cultural, or educational background
- General placement circumstances
This type of information can often be released without a court order.
2. File a Petition to Unseal Records
To access identifying information—like names, addresses, or original birth certificates—you must file a petition in the court that finalized the adoption. The judge will only grant access for good cause, such as:
- Medical necessity
- Consent from both parties
- Genealogical reasons
3. Confidential Intermediary Program
Courts may appoint a confidential intermediary, often a licensed social worker, to locate and contact the birth family or adoptee. This allows parties to exchange information without fully unsealing the records.
4. Texas Central Adoption Registry
The Central Adoption Registry allows adult adoptees, birth parents, and siblings to voluntarily register. If both parties register and consent, their identifying information can be exchanged without a court hearing.
5. Request an Original Birth Certificate
An adoptee cannot access their original birth certificate without a court order. If granted, the Texas Vital Statistics Unit will provide a certified copy.
WHO CAN REQUEST ADOPTION RECORDS?
- Adoptees (18 and older)
- Adoptive parents
- Birth parents
- Attorneys representing any party in the adoption
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can adoptees automatically access records at 18?
No. Turning 18 allows you to petition the court, but records are not automatically unsealed.
What counts as “good cause”?
Medical needs, genealogical reasons, or mutual consent are the most common. Personal curiosity is generally not enough.
How long are records kept?
Adoption records are permanent and maintained either by the court or the agency that facilitated the adoption.
NEXT STEPS FOR ACCESSING TEXAS ADOPTION RECORDS
So, how do you get adoption records in Texas? While adoption records are sealed, you may still obtain non-identifying information, use the Central Adoption Registry, work with a confidential intermediary, or petition the court for access. With the right legal process, adoptees and families can often find the information they need while respecting privacy protections.
Bryan Fagan is a Texas family law attorney with a heart for adoption—inspired not just by his legal career, but by his own family story. Growing up in Atascocita with two adopted brothers, Bryan learned early the profound meaning of chosen family. His passion for justice was sparked by John Grisham’s The Pelican Brief, and he became the first lawyer in his family, balancing night classes at South Texas College of Law while caring for his grandmother with Alzheimer’s.
Today, Bryan brings that same dedication to his practice, guiding families through adoptions, custody disputes, divorces, and complex marital agreements. A certified member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, he combines elite legal expertise with genuine empathy—drawing from his roles as a husband, father of three, and advocate for families facing false CPS allegations.
Based in Houston, Bryan is actively involved in the Houston Bar Association’s Family Law Sector and statewide family law organizations. Whether finalizing an adoption or protecting parental rights, he believes the law should reflect the deepest values of home, commitment, and love.