Name Change Orders, Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates and the need for an Apostille
Today many Americans are seeking dual citizenship with European countries that are part of the European Union (EU). Many Americans can derive Citizenship from EU countries from their foreign born parents or grandparents. Among other reasons, some Americans do this to be able to obtain an EU passport. An EU passport is a passport issued by one of the 27 member states of the European Union which allows travel visa-free between all EU countries, and to a large number of third-countries the EU has bilateral agreements with.
To obtain dual Citizenship with an EU country, Americans must demonstrate their relationship to their foreign born parents or foreign born grandparents who were born in an EU country. To demonstrate relationship to a family member born abroad in an EU country like Italy or Ireland for example, the person attempting to acquire European citizenship would have to provide birth certificates, and in some cases, marriage certificates and name change orders.
In most cases, foreign countries will not accept American birth certificates, marriage certificates and name change orders without an Apostille. Apostilles authenticate the seals and signatures of officials on these public documents.
The authentication certifies the signature and capacity of the official who executed the document. The New York Secretary of State authenticates public documents with the Apostille for use in foreign countries which is issued pursuant to the 1961 International Hague Convention by treaty with Hague Convention member countries.
The documents in question must be public documents issued in New York State and signed by a notary public, a County Clerk, or a State official. The necessity for an apostille is determined by the foreign country or destination.
The Law Office of Christopher Tompkins can assist you with obtaining an Apostille for a birth certificate, marriage certificate, and name change order.
Christopher Tompkins is an Attorney that has been handling Legal Name Change Matters for over 20 years in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester. Contact him at 212 962-5363. Email: NameChangeLawyer@gmail.com. Visit his website at http://www.ny-legal-name-change-lawyer.com/
