UPDATE:  
Birth siblings may be reunited at age 18  

Tennessee Department of Human Services  
Post-Adoption Services  
400 Deaderick Street  
Nashville, TN 37219-1403  

 JULY 1, 1995:  
* All adoption records before March 16, 1951 are OPEN to adoptees and/or their lineal descendants, adoptive parents, birth parents, birth siblings, or the legal representatives of any of these people. Cost is $150.00 for adoption and court records.  

 JULY 1, 1996:  
* Adoption after March, 1951 adoptees 21 years of age or older or their legal representative have a right to their records, but there is a 'contact veto' system in place. Before receiving the records the adoptee must sign an affidavit to abide by a 'contact veto' if one is filed. The state has sixty [60] days to search for the birth parents and offer them the contact veto. There is no limit on the fee the state can charge. If the birth parents are not found in the allotted time, no restriction on contact is assumed.  
* If there is a contact veto on file, the record is given to the adoptee, but it is a criminal offense for the adoptee or anyone acting on behalf of the adoptee to violate it.  
* Birth parents and siblings (adopted and not-adopted, full and half) may request identifying information and contact with an adoptee. The adoptee has the right to veto both contact and the release of identifying information.  
* Persons filing a contact veto may vary or set limitations on the veto [ex., agree to exchange letters, pictures only].