Access
to Utah Adoption Records
Records over 100 years old
As of 1 July 1999, Utah law permits public access to adoption
records over 100 years old. Provisions for adopting children
were first enacted by the Utah Territorial legislature in
March 1884; prior to that date there were provisions for indenturing
children and for assigning guardians in the case of deceased
parents, but none for formal adoption.
Adoptions were usually conducted as a court probate proceeding.
Many of the probate records are not indexed, so knowing when
and where the adoption took place can be critical. Contact
the State Archives Research Center for assistance in locating
adoption records from 1884 to 100 years ago.
More recent adoption records
Adoption records less than 100 years old are sealed and cannot
be opened for inspection except upon a court order. All requests
to open sealed adoption files to obtain identifying information
of adoptee or birth parents are initiated by filing a formal
petition with the clerk of the court in the county where the
adoption was granted. Addresses can be obtained from the court
directory.
In cases where the petitioner is seeking specific medical
information to aid in the preservation of the health of
the petitioner, the petitioner must contact the Bureau of
Vital Statistics and the adoption agency involved in the placement
(if applicable) and make a request for all non-identifying
information regarding the birth parents and other relatives.
In cases where the petitioner is requesting the information
for reasons other than to acquire specific medical data
needed to aid in the preservation of the health of the petitioner,
the petitioner must register with the Voluntary Adoption Registry
established by the Bureau of Vital Statistics.
For registry information, contact:
- Adoption
Reunion Registry
Department of Health
Vital Statistics
288 N. 1460 W.
PO Box 141012
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-1012
Telephone: (801) 538-6363
Sources: Utah Code Annotated 78-30-15,
78-30-19; Utah Code of Judicial Administration, Rules
4-202.02(11)(A), 4-202.03(11), and 6-406.
