Adoption Search Information

Accessing Information from Orphans' Court Adoption Records

Who May Request Information?  

The following individuals may file a written request for identifying or non-identifying information contained in the adoption record or contact if the adoption was finalized in Montgomery County Orphans’ Court:

  • An adoptee at least 18;
  • An adoptive parent of adoptee who is under 18, or adjudicated incapacitated and is 18 or older, or who is deceased;
  • A legal guardian of adoptee who is under 18 or adjudicated incapacitated;
  • A descendant of a deceased adoptee;
  • A birth parent of an adoptee 21 or older;
  • A parent of a birth parent of an adoptee 21 or older if the birth parent consents, is incapacitated or is deceased;
  • A birth sibling of an adoptee if both are 21 or older and meet the following criteria: 
    The birth sibling remained in the custody of a birth parent and that birth parent consents, is deceased or is incapacitated;
  • The birth sibling and the adoptee were both adopted out of the same birth family; or
  • The birth sibling was not adopted out of the birth family and did not remain in the custody of the birth parent.

Who May be a Subject of a Request for Information? 

The individuals listed above may file a written request for information or contact with the following individuals:

  • An adoptee 21 or older;
  • A birth parent of adoptee;
  • A parent of the birth parent of an adoptee who is 21 or older if the birth parent consents, is incapacitated or is deceased;
  • A birth sibling of an adoptee if both the sibling and adoptee are 21 or older and the following criteria exist:
  • The birth sibling remained in custody of the birth parent and the birth parent consents to the release of the information or contact, is deceased or incapacitated;
  • The birth sibling and the adoptee were both adopted out of the same birth family; or
  • The birth sibling was not adopted out of the birth family and did not remain in the custody of the birth parent.
How to Begin a Request for Information

Complete the Adoption Search Request Form and return by email to Matthew.Pio@montgomerycountypa.gov or by mail to:  

Court Appointed Authorized Representative 
P.O. Box 311  
Norristown, PA 19404-0311 
  
 After the Adoption Search Request Form is received and it is determined that the adoption was finalized in Montgomery County further instructions will be provided by the Authorized Representative to the requester.   

Resources


Adoption Search Brochure