What records are sealed after adoption in California?

After the adoption is finalized in California, the original birth certificate is sealed and certain court records may be sealed as well.

What gets sealed:

• The original birth certificate listing the biological parent — sealed and stored by California Department of Public Health Vital Records
• A new birth certificate is issued listing the adoptive stepparent
• Adoption court records may be sealed or restricted from public access (varies by county)

What is NOT sealed:

• The adoption order itself — you receive certified copies
• Your family's personal records — you keep all documents
• Medical records — the child's medical history is unchanged
• School records — these are updated, not sealed

Can sealed records be opened?

• In most cases, sealed adoption records can only be opened by court order
• The standard for opening sealed records varies by state
• California has specific statutes governing access to sealed adoption records
• Generally, records are kept sealed to protect the privacy of all parties

For stepparent adoption specifically:

• The child's original birth certificate is the primary sealed document
• The new birth certificate replaces it for all purposes
• The child (as an adult) may petition the court to access sealed records in some states

We include guidance on post-adoption records in your document package ($349).