Apostille services for personal documents

If you need to use a document abroad, you may be asked to obtain an apostille. This is a certificate issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirming that a document can be recognised internationally.

We can arrange apostilles on your behalf and ensure the correct process is followed from the outset. Many people prefer to have this handled for them, particularly where more than one document is involved or where it is not immediately clear what is required.

Documents we can assist with

We regularly arrange apostilles for personal documents, including:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Death certificates
• Certificates of No Impediment

Different documents are treated in different ways, and not all of them follow the same process.

Notarisation and apostilles

Some documents can be submitted for an apostille straight away. Others must be notarised first before they can be accepted.

This can vary depending on:

• the type of document
• how it has been issued
• how it will be used abroad

For example, where multiple documents are involved, it is not always clear whether each one requires notarisation before an apostille can be obtained. We can confirm this at the outset and ensure the correct steps are taken.

Expedited apostille services

We can also arrange expedited apostille services where documents are required more quickly. In many cases, apostilles can be obtained within approximately 3 to 5 working days, depending on the document and the route used. We can confirm the available timeframes at the outset so that the appropriate option can be arranged.

Business documents and apostilles

We can also arrange apostilles for a range of business and company documents. This may include documents such as Certificates of Good Standing, which can often be apostilled without the need for prior notarisation, depending on how they have been issued. Where more than one document is involved, or where both personal and business documents are being prepared at the same time, the process can vary between each document. We can confirm the correct steps at the outset so that everything is handled appropriately.

Arranging an apostille

Although it is possible to arrange an apostille independently, the process can involve different routes and requirements depending on the documents involved.

We can arrange the apostille on your behalf, which typically includes:

• reviewing the document
• confirming the correct process
• arranging notarisation if required
• submitting the document for apostille
• returning the completed document to you

This helps ensure the document is dealt with correctly without unnecessary delay.

A practical and straightforward process

Clients often come to us where they would prefer a straightforward process and a clear point of contact.

We can:

• confirm what is required before anything is submitted
• deal with the practical steps on your behalf
• handle documents in person where needed

This approach is often helpful where timing is important or where more than one document needs to be prepared for use abroad.

What happens first?

The first step is a short conversation about the document or documents you need to use abroad.

We will confirm:

• whether an apostille is required
• whether notarisation is needed first
• the available options and timeframes

There is no obligation to proceed.

Timeframes and options

There are different processing speeds available depending on how quickly your document is needed. We can confirm the available options at the outset so that you can decide how you would like to proceed.

Speak to our notary team

If you need an apostille for a document, we can arrange the process for you and ensure everything is handled correctly.

Contact Megan Robinson on 01689 887844 or email mr@cwj.co.uk to discuss your documents and the next steps.