How to Unseal an Adoption in Texas
Many states have strict rules governing the reasons adoption records may be unsealed, making the process nearly impossible. Fortunately, if you live in Texas, the process is less mysterious and a bit easier than that of other states. There is no guarantee that a court will decide in your favor, but if you have a vested interest in the adoption, you are entitled to apply to have the records unsealed and your case heard before a judge.
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Instructions
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Request that adoption records be unsealed only if you are the adopted party or a relative of the adopted party. You may not petition for the disclosure of adoption records without a vested interest.
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Contact the District Clerk in the county where the adoption in question occurred. Request an application to unseal closed adoption records.
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Fill out the application. Be as forthcoming as possible as to the reasons that you wish these adoption records to be unsealed. Do not sign the application yet.
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Take the unsigned application to a legal notary--your courthouse should have one on staff. Sign the application in the presence of the notary and have him notarize it.
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Make a copy of the original application. Return the original to the District Clerk in person and make an appointment for a court hearing.
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Decide on a legal intermediary that you can request if the court decides that one should be assigned. A legal intermediary is a professional who can interpret the contents of the adoption records and explain them to you. Ask the court if they have a list of available legal intermediaries.
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Complete any family counseling requested by the court in preparation for the hearing or the unsealing.
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Be on time for your hearing, dress appropriately and be honest and respectful during all questioning.
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Ask the District Clerk for certified copies of the records and the court order, if the court decides in your favor. Present the copy of the court order to the intermediary, if the court has demanded that one be in place and she will be given certified copies of the adoption records to go over with you.
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References
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Comments
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fruitloop
Jun 08, 2010
Be prepared for disappointment. You can only apply in the county court which finalized the adoption, even if you weren't born there. It's entirely up to the judge. Some do it on demand, others won't do it for any reason, including medical emergencies. The Midland County judge won't do it. I was in my thirties, with affidavits from both birth and adoptive parents saying they waived confidentiality...and he still wouldn't do it. He was condescending, insensitive, and downright insulting. It can be a degrading and humiliating experience that leaves you feeling like an object, complete with ownership papers, rather than a person. take support with you. Remember that adoption considers the adoptee to be a perpetual child who is either property of the birth or adoptive parents.
