Change or remove (cancel) a contact notice: adoption records
Open adoption records allow an adopted person (who is now 19 or older) and birth parents to access adoption information if they want to. A contact notice lets the Disclosure Program release your identifying information but lets the other person know how you want to be contacted or that you don’t want to be contacted. You can change or remove (cancel) a contact notice at any time.
You need to change or remove (cancel) your contact notice if you want to change how you can be contacted or if you don’t want to be contacted when the Disclosure Program releases your identifying information under the Adoption Records Act.
You can change or remove (cancel) a contact notice at any time.
Adoption information
Open adoption records allow an adopted person (who is now 19 or older) and birth parents to access adoption information if they want to.
A contact notice lets the Disclosure Program release your identifying information but lets the other person know how you want to be contacted or that you don’t want to be contacted. Before the program releases your information, the other person needs to sign an agreement (called a contact undertaking) stating that they agree to follow your contact preferences.
When you change a contact notice
If the other person has already signed a contact undertaking, the Disclosure Program lets them know that your contact preferences have changed or that you don’t want to be contacted. Before the program releases your information, the other person needs to sign a new agreement.
When you remove (cancel) a contact notice
If the other person has already signed a contact undertaking, the Disclosure Program lets them know that the agreement is no longer valid.
Changing or removing (cancelling) a contact notice on behalf of someone else
You can change or remove (cancel) a contact notice on behalf of someone who doesn’t have capacity under the Adult Capacity Decision-making Act (PDF). You need to provide information about yourself and the person you’re filing for. You need to include a copy of the court order granted under the Adult Capacity Decision-making Act as proof of consent to act as a representative. You also need to include 1 piece of government-issued identification for yourself.
Help with your privacy options
The Disclosure Program can help you review your privacy options, complete the Contact Notice Form with you and provide more information about how open adoption records work. The program also provides an option for you to speak with someone who identifies as African Nova Scotian or Indigenous.
Who can use this form
If you’re an adopted person or a birth parent who has previously filed a contact notice, you can change or remove (cancel) your notice at any time.
What you need to do
- Complete the form online.
- Check the form for details on all required supporting documents.
- Submit your completed form and supporting documents.
How long it takes
It should take 1 to 2 weeks for the Disclosure Program to change or remove (cancel) your contact notice. It can take longer if more information is needed or if your form hasn’t been filled in correctly.
Cost
There is no cost to change or remove (cancel) a contact notice.
Before you start
Make sure you have 2 pieces of government-issued identification (like a driver’s licence, Secure Certificate of Indian Status, passport or NEXUS card). One piece of identification needs to include your photo.
Online
When you file online you need to upload any supporting documents in DOCX, PDF or JPEG format.
You can use the Contact Notice Form (PDF 142 kB) if you're unable to file online. Each person needs to complete a separate form (you can't complete a form for more than 1 person). Send your completed form and supporting documents by mail or email to the Disclosure Program.