Adoption Records - What Non-Identifying Information may an adoptee discover
about the biological parents?
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Question
Is there any way an adopted child can obtain comprehensive medical records
if the parents asked that the records not be opened? My wife was
adopted in 1966 and it was in the final papers that her grandmother was
in a mental institution but it was called environmental? There are
some medical concerns for my wife and are children, so is there anything
that can be done?
Answer
Pursuant to the Michigan Adoption Code, MCL 710.68(1) provides that Non-identifying
Information must be released upon request. In addition, MCL 710.68(1)(c)
describes non-identifying information as: "An account of the health and
genetic history of the child's biological parents and other members of
the child's family, including any know hereditary condition or disease;
the health of each parent at the child's birth; a summary of the findings
of any medical, psychological, or psychiatric evaluation of each parent
at the time of placement; and, if a parent is deceased, the cause of and
the age at death."
Considering this information, the adoptee may file a request for Non-Identifying
Information which will include the above stated information.
If the adoption occurred in Calhoun County, you may contact Christy
Woodard at the 37th Judicial Circuit Court - Family Division, 161 E. Michigan
Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49014 (269)969-6802.
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Last Updated: 12-20-08
Send your comments, questions and suggestions to Phil Harter at 161
E Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan 49014 or e mail to: pharter@calhouncountymi.gov