Orphans' Court | Adoptions
The Orphans’ Court handles adoptions, both domestic and foreign, involving all private
agencies located in Allegheny County, as well other counties and states, adoptions
arranged through private (non-agency) intermediaries, as well as adoptions involving
relatives, including step-parents and grandparents. With the exception of cases
involving Allegheny County Children, Youth and Families, which are handled through
the Juvenile Court Adoption Department, every adoption that takes place in Allegheny
County must be submitted to the Orphans’ Court Division Adoption Department.
The pleadings that are processed by the Adoption Department involve all matters
that are adoption related, including petitions for adoption and petitions involving
the termination of parental rights. Children who have been adopted in foreign countries
may also be re-adopted through the Orphans’ Court if required by immigration and
naturalization.
In addition to processing current adoptions, the Adoption Department processes petitions by adoptees who are seeking medical histories, non-identifying
information and/or wish to search for biological parent(s).
Additional information on Adoptions can be found on
frequently asked questions.