In Texas, adoption records are sealed once an adoption is finalized. This protects the privacy of the adoptee, adoptive family, and biological parents. However, there are situations where an adoptee, biological parent, or other party may need access to those records. If you’re asking, “How do I unseal adoption records in Texas?”, here’s what you need to know.
WHY ADOPTION RECORDS ARE SEALED
Texas law requires sealed adoption records to:
- Protect the child’s privacy
- Provide confidentiality for birth parents
- Safeguard the rights of the adoptive family
Once sealed, records such as the original birth certificate, court orders, and agency reports cannot be accessed by the public.
WHO CAN REQUEST TO UNSEAL ADOPTION RECORDS?
The following individuals may petition for access:
- Adult adoptees (18 or older)
- Birth parents
- Adoptive parents
- Attorneys representing any party in the adoption
Even if you qualify, you must demonstrate a valid reason before a court will unseal the records.
HOW TO UNSEAL ADOPTION RECORDS IN TEXAS
1. File a Petition with the Court
The process begins by filing a petition in the family court that finalized the adoption. Your petition should explain why you are requesting access.
2. Show Good Cause
Texas courts require “good cause” to unseal adoption records. Common examples include:
- A medical necessity (family health history or genetic conditions)
- Genealogical or legal reasons
- Consent of both the adoptee and biological parents
Simply being curious is not usually enough to convince a judge.
3. Court Review
The judge will review the petition, weigh privacy interests, and may allow either full or partial access to the records.
4. Confidential Intermediary
In some cases, the court may appoint a confidential intermediary (often a licensed social worker) to contact the other party and obtain consent before releasing information.
5. Texas Central Adoption Registry
Before going to court, adoptees and biological relatives can try the Texas Central Adoption Registry. If both parties register and consent, identifying information can be shared without a court order.
WHAT INFORMATION CAN BE RELEASED?
- Non-identifying information (such as medical history, ethnicity, education level, and general background) can often be provided without unsealing the entire record.
- Identifying information (such as names, addresses, or the original birth certificate) typically requires a court order.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can an adoptee automatically access their records at 18?
No. Adult adoptees must still petition the court and show good cause.
What counts as “good cause”?
Medical needs, mutual consent, or other compelling reasons. Personal curiosity alone is insufficient.
How long does it take to unseal records?
It varies by county, but the process may take several months depending on court scheduling and whether a confidential intermediary is involved.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR UNSEALING ADOPTION RECORDS IN TEXAS
So, how do you unseal adoption records in Texas? You must petition the court, show good cause, and often work with a confidential intermediary. While Texas law prioritizes privacy, there are legal ways for adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive families to access important adoption records when necessary.
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.