How do I get a copy of the adoption order in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, you get a copy of your adoption order by asking the clerk of the Orphans' Court in the county where your adoption was finalized. Pennsylvania has 67 counties, and each court office handles its own records, so always go back to the county that granted the adoption.

Right after finalization: Once the judge signs the order, ask the clerk about getting certified copies before you leave the courthouse. A certified copy carries the court's stamp or seal, and that is usually the version agencies ask for. Some county offices may hand copies over the same day and others may process requests afterward. The clerk can tell you how your county handles it.

If you need a copy later: Contact the Orphans' Court clerk's office in the county where the adoption was finalized. Have this information ready:

• The child's full name and the names of the adoptive parent and the other parents involved
• The case or docket number, if you have it
• The approximate date the adoption was finalized
• A valid photo ID

The clerk can confirm the per-copy fee, accepted payment methods, whether you can request by mail, and how long it takes. Fees and processing times vary by county, so ask before you send payment.

How many copies to get: Think about who will want an original certified copy. Common examples include:

• The Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records, the state agency for birth records, when you ask about an updated birth certificate
• Health insurance or employer benefits offices
• Your child's school
• A passport application
• Your own permanent family records

Ordering a few at once is often simpler than going back later. Ask the clerk whether there is a per-copy fee and whether there is any limit on how many you can get.

Keep the order safe: Store at least one certified copy with other important papers, such as birth certificates and Social Security cards. Avoid laminating it, since some offices won't accept laminated documents.

Unusual situations: If your file is sealed, the case was in a different county than you remember, or you are not sure who is allowed to request a copy, the Orphans' Court clerk in that county can explain what they need from you. For anything specific to your family's situation, an attorney can advise you.

Planning ahead: A stepparent adoption in Pennsylvania typically takes about 3-6 months from start to finish. Court filing fees generally run $200-$500, and the total cost is typically under $550, compared with $3,000-$5,000+ with an attorney. Copies of the final order are a small extra cost on top of that, and the clerk can give you the exact amount.

How we help: StepParent Adoption 360 is a document preparation service, not a law firm. You answer questions online, and we prepare the complete court document package for your county. You file it yourself without an attorney. Delivery is within 24-48 hours after you finish the questions. The price is $349 for the first child and $99 for each additional child, with a 100% court acceptance guarantee. We have helped 1250 Pennsylvania families, and more than 34,000 families nationally since 2001.