Maine Adoption Laws

Access to Adoption Records

Obtaining Non-Identifying Information:

Adopted adults age 18 or older, an adopted adult's kin, and adoptive parents or the legal guardian of an adopted adult can petition the court for non-identifying information.

Obtaining Identifying Information:

Identifying information is provided through an Adoption Registry.

Using the Adoption Registry:

The following parties may use the registry:

• adopted adults age 18 or older,
  
• adoptive parents or a guardian if a child is younger than 18 or deceased,
  
• birth siblings age 18 or older,
  
• guardians of birth siblings younger than 18, and
  
• birth parents.

Contact:

Maine State Adoption Reunion Registry
Office of Vital Records
221 State Street
Augusta, ME 04330-0011
(207) 287-3181

Obtaining an Original Birth Certificate:

An adoptee must petition the court in which the adoption was finalized.

Credits: Child Welfare Information Gateway (http://www.childwelfare.gov)