On January 1, 2009, Maine became the most recent state to reopen adoption records for adult adoptees. Other states have open records also where you can obtain original birth certificates and maybe additional information.

The following have open adoption records:

•Alabama - Adoption records are open.
•Alaska - Adoption records are open.
•Delaware - Adoption records are open. .
•Indiana - Adoption records prior to 1940 may be open.
•Kansas - Adoption records are open.
•Maine - Adoption records are open.
•Massachusetts - Adoption records are open for birth years prior to 4/14/1974.
•Michigan - Adoption records may be open for older births.
•Montana - Adoption records are open for adoptions finalized prior to 2/2/1964.
•New Hampshire - Adoption records are open.
•New Jersey - Adoption records prior to 1940 may be open.
•Ohio - Adoption records are open for adoptions finalized prior to 1/1/1964.
•Oregon - Adoption records are open.
•Tennessee - Adoption records are open. No-contact vetos are available to birth parents if the adoption was finalized after 1951.

Check your state periodically for updates.

Regina