New Georgia Law Allows Adults Who Were Adopted to Obtain Their Birth Certificates

Cultural attitudes toward adoption have evolved substantially over time. Adoptees and organizations that support them have long sought to overturn laws that prevented people from accessing vital information about themselves and their biological parents. After a lengthy effort, Georgians who were adopted as children now have the right to obtain copies of their original birth certificates from the state’s Office of Vital Records. 

Under Senate Bill 100, referred to in some places as “Andee’s Law,” adoptees no longer have to obtain a court order to receive their birth certificates, overturning a restriction that was in place for more than 60 years. The change reflects growing recognition of adoptees’ interests in understanding their origins, medical histories and identities. Along with adults who were placed at a very young age, biological parents considering giving up their parental rights and those who are considering becoming adoptive parents should be aware of this shift.

Given the decades in which state law imposed secrecy in these situations, securing an original birth certificate is not as simple as sending a request and paying a $25 fee. Adoptees must make an appointment with the Office of Vital Records because many physical files remain stored in boxes and on older media such as microfiche and microfilm. Extensive searches and conversion of materials on previously used formats could be required. 

When an adoption occurs shortly after delivery, birth certificates are frequently amended to list the names of the infant’s new legal parents. Should you decide to do this when bringing a newborn son or daughter into your home, it is important to remember that the original record will be available as well, and can be retrieved when your child turns 18.

There are many different types of adoptions available under Georgia law. Some families have chosen closed adoptions to end contact between themselves and their adoptive child’s biological parents. Whether Andee’s Law affects your approach to adoption depends on your priorities and circumstances. 

Whichever path you choose, The Law Office of S. Mark Mitchell, LLC can guide you through each step of the adoption process. My firm prepares necessary documents, communicates with agencies, negotiates terms with biological parents and advises on critical matters such as home visits. To make an appointment regarding your potential placement and legal options, please call 470-344-8550 or contact me online. My office is in Newnan.