Each adoptee’s experience is unique and deeply personal. For those who long to connect with their family of origin, Glass Law Office can assist you in taking steps to search for potential birth parents and relatives and unseal your adoption records.

In Florida, under Section 63.162 of the Florida Statutes, adoption records are sealed to protect the privacy of all parties involved: birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees. Unless such disclosure was previously authorized in writing, accessing these sealed records will require a court order demonstrating “good cause.” In determining whether “good cause” exists, the court gives primary consideration to the best interests of the adoptee, but must also give due consideration to the interests of the adoptive and birth parents. Because the circumstances of each adoption are different and unique, there is no set definition of what will constitute “good cause.” However, some examples that may constitute valid reasons to access the sealed adoption file include medical necessity, a desire for personal history, or mutual consent between the adoptee and birth relatives. Often, the court will appoint an intermediary to act as a liaison between the parties to ensure all parties agree in writing to the disclosure of any confidential information. An intermediary is defined under Chapter 63 of the Florida Statutes as an adoption attorney or a licensed child-placing agency.

Whether to grant access to court records is a highly discretionary decision made by the judge. Depending on the facts of your case, the court may deny access, authorize access only to non-identifying information such as medical histories and background details, or authorize access to identifying information such as the names of the parties or an original birth certificate.

In addition to petitioning the court to unseal the adoption records, there are other steps you can take to increase your chances of learning information about an adoption or connecting with birth relatives. We recommend that you start with DNA testing through reputable services to identify potential biological relatives. You can also hire a Private Investigator to search for potential biological or adoptive relatives. We also recommend that you register with Florida’s Adoption Reunion Registry (“FARR”). This free, confidential registry allows adoptees and birth relatives to voluntarily connect if both parties are registered.