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Adoption Records

Learn about how to obtain adoption records as an adoptive parent or the adoptee. Access documents and instructions on how to petition the court and beyond.

Need Access to Adoption Records?

In South Dakota, adoptive parents and adoptees are legally allowed to open sealed adoption files (SDCL 25-6-15) by petitioning the court where the adoption was finalized. Additionally, any nonidentifying information should be made available to adoptive parents and the person who was adopted after reaching the age of 18 (SDCL 25-6-15.2). This can include information about the birth parents such as their family health history, heritage, general appearance, level of education.

Find essential resources for navigating the legal process of accessing confidential adoption records. Included are detailed instructions on how to petition the court for the release of these records, forms to notify adoption agencies and other involved entities of a petition, and court-issued orders that authorize the release of adoption records to approved petitioners.

Access Information & Documents

ALL FORMS MUST BE PRINTED SINGLE-SIDED AND COMPLETED IN BLACK INK

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Information on Obtaining the Release of Confidential Adoption Records

Instructions outlining the process to petition for the release of confidential adoption records, emphasizing legal requirements and judicial discretion.

English

Adoption Records Petition for Release

Form used to initiate the legal process of obtaining confidential adoption records, requiring notarization and agency acknowledgment.

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Notice and Admission of Service of Petition

Legal form notifying agencies of a petition to access confidential adoption records, requiring acknowledgment of receipt and detailing hearing information.

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Adoption Records Order for Release

Court-issued order authorizing designated agencies to release confidential adoption records to a petitioner upon demonstration of good cause.

English

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