• Only the adopted adult may make a request for adoption records.
  
  
• Non-identifying information regarding the biological parents may be obtained by applying to the court that finalized the adoption.
  
  
• An adult adoptee may request identifying information about their biological parents if the adoptive parents consent or are deceased. The court then authorizes a confidential intermediary searcher to locate the biological parent to inform them of the adoptee's request and to let them know that they have the right to release information, maintain confidentiality, or perhaps update medical history information. Identifying information is only released in accordance with Missouri law (Section 453.121 RSMo.).
  
  
• Only adoptions finalized in this jurisdiction will be investigated.
  The request should include as much of the following as is known: adoptive (amended) name of adoptee; date of birth or year adopted; city, county of birth; adoptive parents names; county where adoption finalized. This information is needed to locate the adoption file.

• If an adopted child is under 18 years of age, the adoptive parents may submit a written request for non-identifying social history information on the adopted child's behalf.
  
  
• Missouri law (Section 453.121 RSMo.) requires the consent of the adoptive parents, if living, for the release of information necessary for a search by a confidential intermediary (see form).

• The biological parents may execute a proper consent to release of identifying information to be placed in the adoption file in the event the adopted adult ever initiates a search or requests identifying information (see form).
  
  
• Biological parents may keep the court adoption file updated with information which may include current address, telephone number, medical history, or correspondence to the adopted adult for future use should the adopted adult contact the court.
  
  
• Non- identifying information concerning the adopted adult or the adoptive parents is not disclosed to the biological parent.

An adopted adult may request identifying information pertaining to an adult sibling. Upon a finding by the court that such information is necessary for urgent health-related purposes, the identifying information will be disclosed only upon the written consent of the adult sibling.

Note: The court has interpreted health related matters to mean those of an urgent nature and requires substantial supporting documents as evidentiary proof. The court may set a hearing where the adult adoptee is required to demonstrate the need for access to the information. A physician's testimony or statement may be needed.

Identifying information includes the name, date and place of birth, and last known address of the biological parent. (see forms)

Your adoption file, which is located in the circuit that finalized your adoption, is sealed. This means that identifying information can only be released after age 18 to the adopted adult by court order. A court order can be obtained by petitioning the court. (see forms) What the court requires to open your file for identifying information:

1. Consent or death certificate from adoptive parents. (see form)
2. Consent from biological parent(s). (see form)

Relates to a specific set of information given to an adoptee about their adoption and biological family (see form).

General, non-identifying information included some or all of the following information about the
biological parents: physical description, nationality, religious background and medical history of the biological parent or sibling.

Non-identifying information regarding the biological parent(s) is only available to the adopted adult or the adoptive parents/legal guardian on behalf of the adopted child.

Not all court adoption files contain social or medical history regarding the biological parents, if none was obtained, or it was not forwarded to this court at the time of adoption then the present location of said records is unknown to this court. If a private agency was involved in the adoption (i.e. Catholic Charities), you will need to contact that agency directly with your request.

Missouri statutes provide that when an individual is adopted, an amended record be established in the name of the adoptive parents. (Section 193.135 RSMo).

Visit the Missouri State Vital Records website for directions how to obtain copies of Missouri Vital Records, such as birth certificates or call (573) 751-6400.

OR

Visit the Vital Records Kansas City, Missouri website or call (816) 513-6309.

The original birth record and a copy of the adoption decree are placed in a sealed file and that file can be opened and copies of the original birth record or any of the contents contained therein can be issued only upon receipt of an order from the same court that granted the original Decree of Adoption. (Section 193.115).

When a person is adopted their original birth certificate will be sealed and a new certificate with all reference to the biological parents names, and the adoptee's original name removed, is issued.

Release of the original birth certificate will only be considered if all parties to the adoption proceeding ( adopted adult, adoptive parents, biological parents) agree in writing for the disclosure of identifying information.

The adoption decree or judgement is the final order of adoption. Adoption decrees usually include biological name, adoptive parents names, adoptive name, and sometimes one or both your biological parents names.

Request for certified copies of the adoption decree will only be considered if a legal necessity is submitted. Biological identifying information on the copy released will be deleted.