Adoption Document
Next-Day Apostille and Notarisation Services for Adoption Documents
Expanding your family? We take care of the legal documentation. Discover how we handle adoption certificates, notarisation, apostilles, and ensure a seamless process to get your documents recognised worldwide.
Why You May Need to Notarise an Adoption Document
You may require an apostille for an adoption document if it needs to be used in a foreign country. The Hague Apostille Convention simplifies the process of international recognition of documents.
Here are some common situations:
- Adopting a child abroad and registering the adoption in your home country.
- Adopting a child domestically and moving abroad with your family, where the new country may require an apostilled adoption certificate.
In either case, an apostille confirms the authenticity of the adoption document, ensuring its recognition by the foreign country’s legal system.
Process for Notarising and Legalising an Adoption Certificate
Adoption certificates are issued by the General Register Office (GRO), and can generally be apostilled without requiring notarisation. You will need to submit the original physical document directly issued by the GRO.
While notarisation is not always necessary, we can notarise the original document if required. Please note that photocopies of the adoption certificate cannot be notarised or apostilled by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
If the receiving party requires a notarial stamp, we can notarise the original adoption certificate by verifying its authenticity. This notarised document can then be submitted for apostille by the FCDO.
What is an Adoption Certificate?
An adoption certificate is issued after a UK court grants an Adoption Order, legally transferring guardianship to the adoptive parents. It typically takes about four weeks for the certificate to be issued by the General Register Office (GRO).
There are two types:
- Short-form adoption certificate: Labeled as a “Certificate of Birth” with no mention of adoption.
- Full adoption certificate: Contains detailed information, including the adopted name, date of birth, adoptive parents’ names, Adoption Order date, and court details.
A full adoption certificate is usually required for official use. Copies can be ordered from the GRO.
Why Choose Us for Your Document Notarisation
- Efficient communication: We respond to inquiries promptly, often within minutes.
- Transparent process: We clearly explain each step and provide a customised plan to quickly complete the apostille.
- Reliable service: We deliver exactly what you need on time, with minimal hassle.
- Convenience: We offer a mobile notary service, meeting you at various locations. Many steps can also be handled remotely, and we’ll guide you on the best approach for your case.
- Global assistance: No matter where you are in the world, we’re here to support you through the entire apostille process.
In urgent cases, we can often finalise your apostille by the next business day. We understand the importance of deadlines and strive to meet them.
Join the many satisfied clients who have rated us 5 stars on Google Reviews for our commitment to exceptional service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Adoption Document
How much does it cost to notarise an adoption document?
The starting fee for handling a single document is typically £80 plus VAT (£96) for personal documents.The cost varies based on the services required, such as notarisation, apostille, or additional legalisation. Please contact us for a detailed quote.
How long does it take to notarise an adoption document?
The notarisation process usually takes 1-2 business days, depending on the complexity and requirements of the document. Timeframes can vary based on individual cases.
Can I obtain copies of my adoption documents?
Yes, additional copies can be requested from the General Register Office.
Do I need an apostille for my adoption certificate?
If your adoption certificate is being used in a country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille may be required for it to be legally accepted.
Can you notarise and apostille electronic adoption certificates?
Yes, we can notarise electronic adoption certificates by verifying their authenticity, printing the document, and attaching a notarial certificate. We can also obtain an apostille if needed.