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.