How to Maintain Confidentiality of Birth Parents
Current adoption laws offer two options: a closed adoption or an open one. In a closed adoption, original birth records and birth parent information are kept sealed. These remain undisclosed to the adopted child and parents until the child reaches the age of 18 to 21. The specific age depends on the state where the child lives. An open adoption discloses all birth information to all the parties involved, allowing children and parents to remain in contact with each other. Both adoptive and birth parents can choose either an open or closed adoption process.
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Instructions
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Decide on whether you really want a closed adoption. Consider the birth parents' wishes in this matter, if you are making a private adoption. Research the adoption process for both methods.
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Contact a family law attorney that works with adoptions because of all the legal documentation involved. Find the right family law attorney by contacting your state bar association and soliciting a family law attorney recommendation. Navigate to the state bar association website for your state. Fill in the search form to find the type of attorney you want. Look through different attorney profiles to find the one that specializes in adoption processes.
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Ask the attorney to explain the adoption laws for your state. Laws differ from state to state and can be complicated. If you choose a closed adoption, the termination of the rights of the both the birth parents and grandparents must be addressed. Have the attorney explain how this termination process works.
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Express your desire to keep the adoption closed and maintain the birth parent information confidential. Wait for the attorney to put all the court required paperwork together to complete the closed adoption.
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Check the adoption paperwork before the attorney submits it. Ensure that the birth parent confidentiality will be maintained and that birth records remain sealed until the child reaches adulthood. Sign the documentation, have it notarized and allow your attorney to file it with the appropriate state authorities and courts. Finalize the adoption process with the help of your attorney.
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