Adoption of placement files Inspection

If you wish to inspect your placement file as an adopted person, please contact the competent adoption agency directly:

• Before a personal visit, you should make a telephone request and make an appointment.
• The competent adoption agency will give you and your parents with custody, as far as this is possible in individual cases, access to the files on the placement of your adoption.
• The specialists will inform you about your origin and life situation, provided that they have information about it and do not conflict with the interests of other people.

• If you would like to consult the mediation files:
  • You are
    • have been adopted and at least 16 years old, or
    • Parents who have adopted your child and have custody of your child
• If you would like to receive the information or documents from the registry office:
  • Documents from the civil register at the registry office can be requested:
    • parents who have adopted their child,
    • their parents,
    • legal representation of the child and
    • the child at least 16 years old.
  • After the death of the child, information from the civil status register may also be obtained:
    • other persons to whom the entry in the register relates (i.e. the biological parents) and
    • their spouses, life partners, ancestors and descendants.
• Other persons have a right of access if they demonstrate a legal interest.

• Proof of one's own identity by
  • Identity card
  • Passport or
  • similar document

There are no costs for the inspection of the adoption placement file.

The fees for activities of a registry office are regulated by state law and therefore vary from state to state.

There are no deadlines.

• § 1758 German Civil Code (BGB)
• § 9b Adoption Agency Act (AdVermiG)
• § 62 Civil Status Act (PStG)
• § 63 Civil Status Act (PStG)

• Action before the administrative court if the adoption agency of a youth welfare office denies access to files or the provision of information from the civil register
• Action before the district court if the adoption agency of a free carrier – such as a church – refuses to inspect the files

Forms available: No
Written form required No
Informal application possible: Yes
Personal appearance required: No

Online services available: No

06.07.2022