Probate Court - Birth Records

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Adoption - Birth Records
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This section tells you how to get birth records from the Court.

Click on a topic to learn more:

Can I get copies of documents from the court file?
What if you were adopted and you want to see your court records?
How do I get an amended Birth Certificate (VS44)?
Other adoption information at this site

Can I get copies of documents from the court file?

Adoption files are confidential. Only the adopting parent or the adopting parent’s lawyer can get copies of court documents related to the adoption.

To ask for copies, go to the Records Division, at the Downtown Superior Court (DTS). You must show proof of identification.

To ask for copies by mail, the adopting parent must send a letter with a notarized signature or the adopting parent’s lawyer must send a request on the letterhead of the law firm.

The Court will not charge you to copy adoption files.
What if you were adopted and you want to see your court records?

You cannot see your own adoption file without an order of the court. To ask for a Court order, ask the Records Division at DTS for a Petition for Birth Record Access.

When the Court receives your Petition, it will ask the Department of Health Services in Sacramento to send any records in your file. Then, the Court will review all your birth records and your Petition.

Within 8 months, the Court will mail you an order to tell you if you can or cannot view your records.
How do I get an amended Birth Certificate (VS44)?

You must file an amended birth certificate form (VS44) with the Court on or before the final hearing date. You can get this form from the agency you are working with or from the Probate Department of the Superior Court (at DTS).

After the adoption is final, the probate clerk will mail the VS44 to the State Registrar at the Department of Health Services in Sacramento. You will get an amended birth certificate in about 8 months.

For more information on amended birth certificates (including fees) read the Minor Name Change section of this web site.
Other adoption information at this site
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