Step 3 is to determine the laws in the state where the adoption took place. Start here and then follow the link at the bottom of this page for state specific information.

For the most current and up-to-date information about adoption access in your state, go to your state's website and see what your state has to offer to assist you in your search. Laws about adoption access are changing and some guides which list access laws do not always remain current.

Some states provide some wonderful and helpful information. Others states provide almost nothing. To give you an idea of what some states provide, below are five links for various states. Note that the information provide does differ a great deal.

Georgia is an example of a state that provides some helpful information.

Washington offers a informative brochure about searching.

Tennessee is a partially open state. Unless there is a veto in the file from a birth parent, an adult adoptee may receive a copy of their original birth certificate.

California has some useful information. However, access in California differs from county to county. Plus, each court has different procedures for petitioning the court to gain access to records. However, California does have a birth index which can be extremely helpful.

Florida is an extremely tough state to search in, but they do have the confidential intermediary system.

Determine the following:

1. If the state uses the confidential intermediary system;
2. If you can petition to court to allow access to your records;
3. If the state uses the affidavit system;
4. If adult adoptees at the age of majority have access to their records;
5. If the state has a birth index and how to access it.
6. If adoption agencies can do searches in the state. Some do in states that have the intermediary system.
7. If you can obtain your medical records; and
8. If the state provides your non-identifying information. It probably will if the adoption was not through a private agency.