Affidavit in Support of Petition for Inspection of Records of Adoption (JV-112)

Jurisdiction: Country: The United States | Province/State: Massachusetts

What is an Affidavit in Support of Petition for Inspection of Records of Adoption (JV-112)?

An Affidavit in Support of Petition for Inspection of Records of Adoption (JV-112) is your sworn statement that tells the court why you need access to a sealed adoption file. In Massachusetts, adoption files held by the court are confidential. You cannot view them unless a judge authorizes inspection. Your affidavit provides the key facts the judge needs to decide your request.

Think of the affidavit as the narrative behind your petition. You identify who you are, your connection to the adoption, what records you want, and why inspection is necessary. You explain how you will use the information and how you will protect the privacy of others. You sign the affidavit under oath before a notary. The court relies on your sworn statements to assess “good cause” or the “best interests of the child,” depending on the situation.

Who typically uses this form?

You will use this affidavit if you are:

• An adult adoptee seeking records related to your adoption.
• An adoptive parent or legal guardian seeking records for a minor adoptee.
• A birth parent requesting limited access to confirm facts or obtain specific documents.
• A descendant or executor handling estate matters where an adoption record is relevant.
• An attorney or agency representative seeking documents for a defined legal purpose.

Why would you need this form?

You file this affidavit when you need the court’s permission to inspect or obtain copies of documents in a Massachusetts adoption case file. That file may include the adoption petition, decree of adoption, surrender or consent forms, agency reports, social and medical histories, and related orders. Even if you can access certain vital records by other means, the court’s adoption file remains sealed and requires judicial approval to inspect.

Typical usage scenarios

You are an adult adoptee who needs the adoption decree to prove a legal name for a passport, Real ID, or Social Security records. The court will need your sworn affidavit explaining the purpose and why you cannot proceed without a certified copy of the decree.

You are managing a probate estate and must confirm whether a person was legally adopted, which affects inheritance rights. Your affidavit explains your role as executor and the need for specific documents.

You are an adoptive parent of a minor who needs an updated medical background to guide treatment. You explain why the information is necessary now, what efforts you made to obtain it elsewhere, and how you will protect confidentiality.

You are a birth parent seeking a limited document, such as your executed surrender, for personal or legal reasons. You explain your original involvement and why access to this specific document is necessary.

You are an attorney representing a party in a related legal matter and need to verify a fact from the adoption file. You attach your appearance and explain the legal relevance and scope of your request.

In each case, the affidavit supports your petition by providing a clear, focused, and factual basis for inspection. The court weighs this information before allowing any access.

When Would You Use an Affidavit in Support of Petition for Inspection of Records of Adoption (JV-112)?

You use this affidavit when you need court permission to access sealed adoption records held by a Massachusetts court. You should expect to file it in the court that finalized the adoption, usually the Probate and Family Court. Some adoption-related matters may have touched the Juvenile Court, but the adoption decree and file are typically in the Probate and Family Court division that issued the final order. If you are unsure which court has the file, your affidavit should explain what you know and the steps you took to identify the correct court.

Here are practical situations where you would use this affidavit:

You are an adult adoptee who needs the adoption decree or certified copies for legal identification, immigration, passport renewal, or professional licensing. Your affidavit explains the legal process you are facing, why you need the document now, and that you will limit use to that purpose.

You are seeking health information, such as family medical history, to guide treatment or genetic counseling. Your affidavit explains the medical need, why alternatives are not sufficient, and offers to accept redacted records or non-identifying summaries to protect privacy.

You are an adoptive parent managing a minor’s care. You need records to prove legal custody to a school or foreign government, or to address a name discrepancy in school or health records. Your affidavit focuses on the child’s best interests and includes any proof of your legal authority.

You are a descendant or executor. You need to resolve inheritance questions or confirm the legal status of family relationships for estate planning. Your affidavit explains your fiduciary role and shows the request is narrow and relevant.

You are a birth parent or other biological relative who seeks specific, limited information for a legitimate purpose. You identify yourself, explain your original role, and state clearly the limited scope of your request.

You are counsel of record in a related case and need the court file to verify a fact. Your affidavit describes the case, the relevance of the requested records, and proposes protective measures.

In all cases, the court will look for focus and necessity. Your affidavit should show that you are not on a fishing expedition. Identify specific documents or information and explain why you need them now. If there are less intrusive alternatives, explain why those have not worked or are not available. If the adoptee is a minor, emphasize how inspection serves the child’s best interests.

Legal Characteristics of the Affidavit in Support of Petition for Inspection of Records of Adoption (JV-112)

This affidavit is a sworn statement made under penalty of perjury. It is legally binding as to the truth of the facts you state. It does not itself grant access. It supports your petition, which the judge must review and approve before you can inspect or copy the records.

What ensures enforceability? Your signature must be witnessed by a notary public, and the affidavit must include a jurat, which is the notary’s certification that you swore to the truth. The court relies on your sworn statements. If you misstate material facts, you risk penalties and denial of your petition. Attachments you include, like medical letters, court orders, or identification, help the court verify your claims.

The judge applies Massachusetts confidentiality rules for adoption records. The standard depends on who you are and what you seek. For an adult adoptee, the court expects a focused request with a clear purpose. For a minor adoptee, the court applies the best interests standard, and may appoint a guardian ad litem to evaluate requests. For third parties, the court looks for good cause and the least intrusive way to accomplish your purpose, often using redactions or protective orders.

The court may:

• Allow limited inspection in the clerk’s office.
• Authorize certified copies of specific documents.
• Redact identifying information of birth or adoptive families.
• Issue a protective order limiting use and disclosure.
• Require notice to certain parties if fairness or law requires it.
• Deny the request if it is overly broad or unnecessary.

You must follow the court’s order exactly. Do not share, publish, or use the records beyond the authorized purpose. Violating a protective order can bring sanctions. If you need broader access later, file a new motion or a supplemental affidavit to explain the change in circumstances.

How to Fill Out an Affidavit in Support of Petition for Inspection of Records of Adoption (JV-112)

Use these steps to complete the affidavit accurately and completely. Adjust details to fit your situation, but keep your statements specific and factual.

1) Confirm the correct court and case information.

• Identify the court division that finalized the adoption. In Massachusetts, that is usually the Probate and Family Court in the county where the adoption was completed.
• If you do not know the county, describe your best information. State the adoptee’s date of birth, place of birth, adoptive parents’ last known residence at the time, and any agency involved.
• If you know the docket number, include it. If you do not, say so and describe your efforts to find it.

2) Complete the case caption.

• In the caption, list “In the matter of” followed by the adoptee’s name as it appeared at the time of adoption, if known. If unknown, note the adoptee’s current legal name and explain the uncertainty.
• Add the docket number if known. If not, leave blank for the clerk.
• Include the division and county of the Probate and Family Court.

3) Identify yourself clearly.

• State your full legal name, current address, phone, and email.
• State your date of birth and last four digits of your SSN if the form asks, to help the court verify identity.
• Explain your relationship to the adoptee or case. For example: “I am the adult adoptee,” “I am the adoptive mother of the minor child,” or “I am the executor of the estate of [Name].”
• If you are an attorney or agency representative, identify your role and attach proof, such as a notice of appearance or authorization letter.

4) Describe the records you seek with precision.

• List the exact documents you need, if known. Examples: Decree of Adoption dated [date], Petition for Adoption, Surrender or Consent, Agency Social and Medical History, Termination of Parental Rights order, or certified copies of specified items.
• If you do not know the exact titles, describe the category and time frame. For example: “Certified copy of the final adoption decree entered between 1995 and 1997.”
• State whether you seek inspection only, certified copies, or both.

5) Explain why you need the records now.

• Give a clear and concrete purpose. For example: “I need a certified decree to renew my passport,” or “The child’s cardiologist requested family medical history to adjust treatment.”
• Connect the records to your purpose. Show why other sources will not work. For example: “Vital records do not include the adoption decree,” or “Agency files are incomplete.”
• If time is important, explain any deadline and attach supporting documents, such as a passport agency notice or a court scheduling order.

6) Address confidentiality and privacy.

• Acknowledge that adoption records are confidential and that you seek only what is necessary.
• Offer reasonable protections. For example: “I will accept redacted copies,” “I consent to a protective order,” or “I will inspect records at the courthouse and will not make copies except as allowed.”
• If you do not intend to contact any person named in the file, say so. If you do seek contact, explain why and request guidance. The court may require a structured approach.

7) Show good cause or best interests with facts.

• If you are an adult adoptee, state your age and capacity and why the requested information is important to you now.
• If the adoptee is a minor, focus on the child’s best interests. Tie your request to safety, health, education, identity, or legal security.
• If you are a third party, explain your legal need, such as estate administration or pending litigation, and how limited access meets that need.

8) Document your efforts to obtain information elsewhere.

• Briefly describe the steps you have already tried. Examples: contacted the adoption agency, checked vital records, reviewed family papers, or asked counsel for copies.
• Attach any responses or denials. This helps show that court access is a last resort, not a first step.

9) Address consent and notice, if applicable.

• If any living party has consented to your request, attach signed consents and state that you have them.
• If a relevant party is deceased, note that and attach proof if available.
• If you cannot locate parties, state your efforts to do so. Do not guess. Stick to facts.
• If the court may require notice, ask the court for instructions rather than assuming the duty yourself.

10) Attach supporting documents.

• Attach a copy of your photo ID to confirm identity.
• Attach letters from doctors, agencies, government offices, or courts that explain why you need the records.
• Attach legal documents showing your role, such as guardianship, letters of authority, or a power of attorney.
• Label each attachment clearly as an exhibit and reference it in your affidavit by exhibit letter or number.

11) Include your confidentiality plan.

• Propose limits on use. For example: “I will use the records only for my passport application and will store them securely.”
• Offer to return or destroy copies after use, if appropriate.
• Agree not to disclose identifying information to others without court approval.

12) Draft your specific request for relief.

• Even though the affidavit supports the petition, align your ask. For example: “I respectfully request an order allowing me to inspect the adoption file and to obtain a certified copy of the Decree of Adoption.”
• If you want the court to seal your affidavit because it contains sensitive information, say so and explain why.

13) Sign before a notary with a proper jurat.

• Do not sign until you are in front of the notary.
• Ensure the notary uses a jurat that says you swore or affirmed the truth. An acknowledgment is not enough for an affidavit.
• The notary must complete the date, venue (Commonwealth of Massachusetts, County of [Name]), signature, printed name, commission expiration, and notary seal if used.

14) Review for clarity and completeness.

• Check that names are accurate and consistent.
• Verify dates and spellings.
• Confirm that exhibits match references in the affidavit.
• Remove speculation or opinion. Keep it factual and concise.

15) File and serve as required.

• File the affidavit with your petition to inspect adoption records in the correct court.
• If eFiling is available, follow the system instructions. If filing in person or by mail, include the original notarized affidavit and copies as the court requires.
• Pay the filing fee or submit a fee waiver request if you qualify. Attach the fee waiver form and financial statement as needed.
• Ask the clerk about any service requirements or hearing dates. If the court sets a hearing, bring photo ID and copies of your filings.

16) Prepare for the hearing, if one is scheduled.

• Be ready to explain your request in plain language.
• Bring original supporting documents and extra copies.
• Be prepared to discuss redactions, protective orders, or limited inspection.
• If the judge asks for more detail, answer directly and concisely.

17) After the order issues, follow directions exactly.

• If the court grants access, read the order closely. It may limit what you may view, copy, or share.
• Coordinate with the clerk to schedule inspection or to obtain certified copies.
• If the order imposes conditions, comply fully. If you need clarification, ask the clerk before acting.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Asking for the “entire file” without explaining why. Be as specific as you can.
• Ignoring privacy. Always address how you will protect sensitive information.
• Forgetting to include your relationship and legal authority. Judges need to see both.
• Signing without a notary jurat. The court can reject an unsigned or improperly notarized affidavit.
• Omitting exhibits that prove your need. Claims without proof carry less weight.

If the court denies your request, read the order carefully. You can often refine your affidavit to address the court’s concerns. Narrow the scope, add supporting documentation, or propose stronger protective measures. Then refile or move to reconsider, as appropriate.

By approaching the affidavit with focus and respect for confidentiality, you show the court you understand the balance at stake. Clear facts, limited scope, and practical safeguards increase your chance of approval.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

• An affidavit is your sworn statement of facts. You sign it under oath. On JV-112, your affidavit explains who you are and why you need access to adoption records. The court relies on this sworn account to decide your request.
• A petition is your formal request to the court. The affidavit supports that. Together, they form your request to inspect adoption records. Your affidavit fills in facts that your petition summarizes.
• Sealed adoption records are court or agency files that are not public. They include sensitive details about the adoption. Your JV-112 asks the court to let you see some or all of what is sealed. The court may grant partial or limited access.
• A good cause means a strong, specific reason that the court accepts. It connects your need to the records you seek. On JV-112, you lay out facts that show good cause. Vague or broad reasons usually fail.
• Standing means your legal right to ask. The court will check your relationship to the adoption case. On JV-112, you explain how you relate to the adoptee or the proceeding. Without standing, the court can deny your request.
• A court order is the judge’s written decision. You need it to inspect sealed records. If granted, it will set the scope, limits, and any safeguards. You must follow every term in that order.
• Redaction means the court blocks out certain details before release. It protects identities or sensitive facts. Your JV-112 can propose redaction or accept a limited release. This can help the court grant your request.
• Confidential information is personal data that the court protects. It includes addresses, dates of birth, and medical or identifying details. On JV-112, provide only what the form asks for. Do not include extra sensitive data that is not needed.
• A notary public verifies your identity and witnesses your oath. Many courts require your affidavit to be notarized. If the form requires it, sign JV-112 in front of a notary. If not, follow the verification instructions on the form.
• A guardian ad litem may be appointed to protect a minor’s interests. If your request involves a minor, the court may involve one. This can affect timing and scope of any access. Your affidavit should note any minor status clearly and respectfully.

FAQs

Do you have to be the adoptee to file JV-112?

No. Many courts allow certain people to request an inspection. You may qualify if you are the adoptee, an adoptive or biological parent, or a close relation. You may also qualify if you show a direct and compelling need, like a medical necessity. On JV-112, state your relationship in detail. Attach proof where possible. The court still reviews your standing before it acts.

Do you need the exact case number to file?

No, but it helps. If you do not know the case number, give all known facts. List names used at birth and after adoption. Provide the approximate date and place of the adoption. Include the agency if known. Attach any documents that support identification, like prior orders or certificates. The goal is to help the court locate the correct file.

Can you ask for only non-identifying information?

Yes. You can limit your request to non-identifying data, like medical or social history, without names. This can increase your chances of approval. On JV-112, clearly state the narrower scope. Explain why you need that specific subset of records. The court often favors targeted requests that protect privacy.

Do you need to show good cause if you are the adult adoptee?

Yes. Courts still evaluate good cause, even for adult adoptees. You should explain your reasons, such as medical history, personal identity, or legal documentation needs. Keep it specific and tied to the records. Your JV-112 should show why sealed access is necessary and proportionate.

What if you do not want your current address revealed?

State your privacy concerns on JV-112. Use any address confidentiality options the form allows. If the form lacks that option, you can request that the court restrict disclosure. You may also provide an alternate mailing address. Do not include sensitive location details unless the form requires them.

Will you have to notify anyone about your request?

Sometimes. Depending on the court’s rules, notice may be required for certain parties. This can include adoptive parents or other stakeholders. The court may handle notice, or it may direct you to serve notice. Read any instructions you receive after filing. Keep proof of any notice you send.

Can you get identifying information like names and contact details?

It depends on the court’s order. Courts often release non-identifying information first. Identifying details may require a higher showing of need. Consent from affected parties can help, if available. If you seek identifying details, explain why lesser disclosure is insufficient. Propose safeguards, like limited use or redaction, to support your request.

How long will this process take?

Timelines vary. Processing includes locating the file, reviewing your affidavit, and possible hearings. If the court orders redaction or protective steps, add time for that. You can help by submitting complete, clear information. Track your case and respond quickly to any court questions.

Checklist: Before, During, and After the Affidavit in Support of Petition for Inspection of Records of Adoption (JV-112)

Before signing: Information and documents to gather

• Your full legal name and prior names, if any.
• Relationship to the adoptee and proof, if available.
• Adoptee’s name at birth and after adoption, if known.
• Approximate date and place of adoption.
• Case number and court location, if known.
• Adoption agency or facilitator name, if known.
• Reasons you need access, stated specifically.
• Scope of access you seek (non-identifying vs identifying).
• Evidence supporting good cause (e.g., medical needs).
• Prior attempts to get information without court access.
• Any consents or waivers you can provide.
• Government-issued ID for notarization, if required.
• Any confidentiality or safety concerns to flag.

During signing: Sections to verify

• Your identity details are complete and correct.
• Your relationship is clearly explained and supported.
• The adoption details are as accurate as you can make them.
• Your reasons show good cause and fit the scope requested.
• You request only what you truly need to inspect.
• You addressed privacy and redaction where appropriate.
• Attachments are labeled and referenced in the affidavit.
• Dates, signatures, and contact info are correct.
• Notary acknowledgment is completed, if required.
• You did not include unnecessary sensitive information.

After signing: Filing, notifying, and storing

• Make copies of the completed JV-112 and attachments.
• File with the correct court for the adoption records.
• Pay the filing fee or submit a fee waiver, if available.
• Calendar all deadlines and possible hearing dates.
• Follow any court instructions about notice or service.
• Keep proof of filing and any service completed.
• Prepare for questions from the court or clerk’s office.
• Store your copy securely to protect confidentiality.
• Do not contact involved parties unless the court directs it.
• Monitor the case for orders or requests for more info.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Giving vague reasons without evidence. Don’t forget to show good cause with specifics. Consequence: The court may deny or limit access.
• Asking for everything in the file. Avoid overbroad requests. Consequence: The court may refuse or restrict your request. Narrow scope often works better.
• Omitting relationship details or proof. Explain how you connect to the adoptee or case. Consequence: The court may find you lack standing and deny the petition.
• Ignoring privacy safeguards. Offer redaction or limited use when seeking sensitive data. Consequence: The court may withhold identifying information or require new filings.
• Signing incorrectly or without a notary when needed. Follow signature and notarization instructions exactly. Consequence: The court can reject your affidavit as defective.

What to Do After Filling Out the Form

1. Review your copies. Confirm every page, attachment, and exhibit is included.
2. File your JV-112 with the correct court. Ask about format and any required coversheets.
3. Pay the fee or submit a fee waiver request, if you qualify.
4. Note any case number assigned at filing. Use it on all future documents.
5. Follow any instructions about serving notice. Serve only those required and keep proof.
6. Watch for court communications. Respond to requests for clarifications or documents.
7. Prepare for a hearing, if scheduled. Bring originals and copies of exhibits.
8. If the court grants access, read the order closely. It will define the scope and limits.
9. Follow all protective conditions. Do not share information beyond what the order allows.
10. Request the records per the order’s process. Expect redactions if the court required them.
11. If denied, review the reasons. You may narrow your request or add evidence and refile.
12. If facts change, file an amended affidavit. Update your reasons and attachments.
13. Keep all filings and orders in a secure place. Protect all confidential information.
14. Use any disclosed information only for the permitted purpose. Document how you comply.
15. Close the loop. Once you obtain what you need, confirm no further actions remain.