I was adopted and want to locate my birth parents. How do I access adoption records?

Adoption information is confidential and the records are sealed (impounded) by the Court. Only the Court may access those files. All requests for non-identifying information or the appointment of a search agent are handled by a judge. You may send requests to our office, marked "confidential" and we will direct them to the appropriate judge.

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1. I was adopted and want to locate my birth parents. How do I access adoption records?
2. I adopted a child in a foreign country. How do I get a Pennsylvania birth certificate for the child?
3. How do I get appointed as the guardian of a minor child or incapacitated person?
4. What are the requirements to apply for a marriage license?
5. How do I get a certified copy of my marriage license?
6. We are getting married on a cruise, island, or in another state / country. Where do we get our marriage license?
7. Can I register my marriage in Pennsylvania if it takes place in another country or state?
8. Is there a central registry of marriage in Pennsylvania?
9. Where should I obtain my marriage license if I am being married in a different county other than the one I live in?
10. Do I need a licensed minister or priest to perform my marriage ceremony?
11. Does Pennsylvania recognize common-law marriages?
12. Are same sex marriages legal in Pennsylvania?
13. How old do you have to be to obtain a marriage license in Pennsylvania?
14. Why do you need my social security number to apply for a marriage license?
15. Marriage applications are public record, but my social security number wont be viewable by the public, right?
16. What if I have a social security number, but refuse to provide it?
17. What happens if I do not have a social security number?