(a) An adoptive parent or adult adoptee may obtain a certified copy of the adoption decree upon request and presentation of positive identification.(b) A petition to open the court’s adoption records shall identify the type of information sought and shall state good cause for access, and, in the following circumstances, shall provide the information indicated below:
(b)(1) If the petition seeks health, genetic or social information, the petition shall state why the health history, genetic history or social history of the Bureau of Vital Statistics is insufficient for the purpose.(b)(2) If the petition seeks identifying information, the petition shall state why the voluntary adoption registry of the Bureau of Vital Statistics is insufficient for the purpose.(c) The court may order the petition served on any person having an interest in the petition, including the placement agency, the attorney handling a private placement, or the birth parents. If the court orders the petition served on any person whose identity is confidential, the court shall proceed in a manner that gives that person notice and the opportunity to be heard without revealing that person’s identity or location.(d) The court shall determine whether the petitioner has shown good cause and whether the reasons for disclosure outweigh the reasons for non-disclosure.(e) If the court grants the petition, the court shall permit the petitioner to inspect and copy only those records that serve the purpose of the petition. The order shall expressly permit the petitioner to inspect and copy such records.(f) The clerk of the court shall reseal the records after the petitioner has inspected and copied them.
