Terms and Conditions

1. Definitions

In these Terms, the following words have the meanings given below. Singular words include the plural and the reverse. "Including" means "including without limitation."

1.1 "Firm," "we," "us," and "our" mean Philadelphia Notary & Apostille, also operating as USA Apostille & Translation Co., and its owner, employees, notaries, contractors, and authorized agents.

1.2 "Client," "you," and "your" mean the person or entity that requests, orders, or pays for Services, and any person on whose behalf Services are requested. If you place an order for another person or for an organization, "Client" includes both you and that person or organization, and you represent that you have authority to bind them to these Terms.

1.3 "Services" means all services the Firm offers or provides, as described in Section 2, and any related consultation, preparation, handling, submission, delivery, or communication.

1.4 "Documents" means all originals, copies, certified copies, electronic files, images, records, and other materials that you provide to us or that we obtain, prepare, translate, or handle for you.

1.5 "Order Form" means any written or electronic request for Services, including web forms, intake forms, quotes, estimates, emails confirming scope, and school or partner order forms, accepted by the Firm under Section 3.

1.6 "Invoice" means any bill, payment request, or payment link issued by the Firm for Services.

1.7 "Authority" means any federal, state, local, or foreign government agency, department, ministry, court, secretary of state or equivalent office, the U.S. Department of State, any embassy or consulate, any university, school, credentialing body, employer, or other institution that issues, authenticates, legalizes, reviews, accepts, or rejects Documents.

1.8 "Third-Party Provider" means any person or entity that is not the Firm and that takes part in performing or delivering Services, including Authorities, couriers and postal services (such as FedEx, UPS, DHL, and USPS), translators, independent notaries, remote online notarization platform providers, payment processors, and other independent service providers.

1.9 "Government Fees" means all fees charged by any Authority, including state and federal apostille or authentication fees, consular and embassy legalization fees, certified-copy fees, and similar charges.

1.10 "Shipping Fees" means all charges for courier, postal, messenger, and delivery services, including insurance, signature confirmation, customs duties, taxes, brokerage, and return shipping.

1.11 "Apostille" means a certificate issued under the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (the "Hague Apostille Convention"), whether issued on paper or electronically ("e-Apostille").

1.12 "Legalization" means the process of authenticating Documents for use in countries that are not parties to the Hague Apostille Convention, or that otherwise require it, through one or more Authorities, including embassy or consular legalization.

1.13 "RON" means remote online notarization, a notarial act performed using audio-video communication technology as permitted by applicable law.

1.14 "Certified Translation" and "Sworn Translation" have the meanings given in Section 8.

1.15 "DOV" means the Italian Declaration of Value (Dichiarazione di Valore) issued by an Italian consulate or other competent Italian authority.

1.16 "Homologación" means the procedure for the recognition, homologation, or equivalence of foreign academic qualifications by the competent authority of the Kingdom of Spain.

1.17 "School Partner" means a school, including a school accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools ("MSA"), and its registrar, administrators, and staff, that arranges Services for its students or graduates.

2. Scope of Services

2.1 Services offered. Subject to these Terms and the applicable Order Form, the Firm may provide the following Services:

• (a) notary services, including in-office notarization, mobile or travel notarization, and remote online notarization (RON);
• (b) Apostille services for Documents issued in Pennsylvania and in other U.S. states, and for federal Documents through the U.S. Department of State;
• (c) embassy and consular Legalization for countries that are not parties to the Hague Apostille Convention;
• (d) Certified Translations and Sworn Translations;
• (e) preparation of Italian Declaration of Value dossiers and their submission to the appropriate Italian consulate;
• (f) preparation, authentication, and translation of Documents for Spanish Homologación;
• (g) services for School Partners, including MSA-accredited schools, such as embossing, document collection, registrar notarization, Apostille, translation, and consulate submission; and
• (h) domestic and international document shipping.

2.2 Document services only. Not a law firm. The Firm is a document services provider. The Firm is not a law firm, is not an immigration consultant, and is not acting as your attorney, agent before any immigration authority, or legal representative. No one at the Firm is authorized to give legal advice, immigration advice, or advice about which documents you need, unless that person is a licensed attorney expressly engaged by you in a separate written agreement. Any general information we share about procedures, Authority requirements, or document formats is provided as a courtesy only, is based on information available to us at the time, may change without notice, and is not legal advice. You should consult a licensed attorney in the relevant jurisdiction for legal or immigration advice.

2.3 Notaries are not attorneys. In accordance with Pennsylvania law, a notary public who is not an attorney may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice, and may not draft legal documents for you. You are responsible for knowing which type of notarial act your Document requires.

2.4 Scope limited to the Order Form. The Firm is only obligated to perform the Services expressly described in the accepted Order Form or Invoice. Any additional work, including re-submission after rejection by an Authority, extra copies, extra translations, extra shipping, or rush handling, is a new or additional Service and may be subject to additional fees.

2.5 Right to decline. The Firm may decline, suspend, or stop any request or Service at any time, in its sole discretion, including when it believes a Document may be fraudulent, altered, incomplete, or unlawful; when a request may violate any law, sanction, or regulation; when the Client is abusive or uncooperative; or when the Firm cannot perform the Service properly. If the Firm declines a Service before beginning work, it will refund amounts paid for that Service, less any non-refundable fees already incurred as described in Section 14.

3. Orders and Contract Formation

3.1 How orders are placed. You may request Services through the Website, by email, by telephone, in person, through a School Partner, or by other means we accept. A request, quote, or estimate is not a binding contract until it is accepted by the Firm as described in Section 3.2.

3.2 Acceptance. A binding agreement for Services is formed when the first of the following occurs: (a) the Firm confirms your order in writing, including by email or text message; (b) you sign or electronically accept an Order Form or Invoice; (c) you pay all or part of an Invoice; or (d) you deliver Documents to the Firm for processing after receiving a quote. Each accepted order is governed by these Terms, together with the Order Form and Invoice for that order (together, the "Agreement").

3.3 Order of precedence. If there is a conflict between these Terms and an Order Form or Invoice, the Order Form or Invoice controls only as to the specific scope, price, quantity, delivery method, and any special terms it expressly states. In all other respects, these Terms control. Terms in any purchase order, email, or other document you send to us that add to or conflict with these Terms do not apply unless the Firm's owner expressly agrees to them in writing.

3.4 Quotes and estimates. Quotes are based on the information and Documents you provide at the time. Unless otherwise stated, quotes are valid for thirty (30) days. If the Documents you deliver differ from what you described (for example, more pages, a different issuing state, a different destination country, or Documents that require extra steps), or if Government Fees, Shipping Fees, or Authority requirements change, the Firm may revise the quote before continuing.

3.5 Electronic signatures and communications. You agree that Order Forms, Invoices, authorizations, and these Terms may be signed, accepted, and delivered electronically, including by typed name, click-to-accept, electronic signature platforms, email confirmation, or online payment. You agree that electronic signatures and records have the same legal effect as handwritten signatures and paper records, in accordance with the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act and the Pennsylvania Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. You consent to receive all notices, Invoices, and communications from the Firm electronically at the email address or phone number you provide.

3.6 Accurate order information. You are responsible for the accuracy of all information in your order, including names, spellings, destination country, intended use, receiving Authority, delivery address, and contact details. The Firm is not responsible for delays, rejections, misdirected shipments, or extra costs caused by inaccurate or incomplete order information.

4. Client Responsibilities

4.1 Accuracy and authenticity. You are solely responsible for the accuracy, completeness, legality, and authenticity of all Documents and information you provide. You represent and warrant that: (a) all Documents are genuine and have not been altered, forged, or obtained by fraud; (b) you have the legal right to possess, use, and submit the Documents and to authorize the Services; (c) all signatures on the Documents are genuine; and (d) the Services you request are for a lawful purpose.

4.2 Requirements of the receiving country or institution. You are solely responsible for determining and confirming the requirements of the receiving country, Authority, university, ministry, consulate, employer, or institution, including: the type of Document needed; whether an Apostille, Legalization, or both are required; whether a paper Apostille or e-Apostille is accepted; whether a Certified or Sworn Translation is required and into which language; whether translations must be made before or after Apostille; formatting, binding, and signature requirements; validity periods (for example, documents issued within a certain number of months); and deadlines. We strongly recommend that you obtain these requirements in writing from the receiving Authority before ordering.

4.3 Proper document form. You must provide Documents in a form that can be processed. For example, many Authorities will only authenticate original Documents, certified copies issued by the proper office, or Documents bearing a valid notarial act or official signature on file. If a Document is not in a form that can be processed, the Firm may need to obtain a new certified copy, arrange a new notarization, or return the Document, and additional fees may apply.

4.4 Timely cooperation. You must respond promptly to requests for information, signatures, payment, identification, or additional Documents. Delays caused by your failure to respond are not the Firm's responsibility, and any turnaround estimate is extended accordingly. If you do not respond to the Firm's requests for sixty (60) days, the Firm may treat your order as abandoned under Section 14.7.

4.5 Copies. Before giving us original Documents, you should make and keep complete copies, including front and back of every page. The Firm is not responsible for reconstructing or replacing Documents.

4.6 Lawful use. You will not use the Services to commit fraud, to misrepresent identity, academic credentials, or legal status, to evade sanctions or export controls, or for any other unlawful purpose. The Firm may report suspected fraud or unlawful activity to appropriate Authorities.

4.7 Conduct. You agree to treat the Firm's personnel respectfully. The Firm may end any appointment or terminate Services if a Client or anyone accompanying a Client is abusive, threatening, or disruptive.

5. Pricing, Payment, Taxes, Government Fees, and Shipping Fees

5.1 Service fees. Fees for Services are stated in the applicable quote, Order Form, or Invoice, or on the Website at the time you place your order. Prices on the Website are subject to change at any time without notice, but a change will not affect an order already accepted unless the scope of that order changes.

5.2 Notarial fees. Fees for notarial acts performed by Pennsylvania notaries do not exceed the maximum fees set by the Pennsylvania Department of State. Fees for travel, mobile service, convenience, after-hours appointments, clerical work, technology, RON platform use, copying, and other non-notarial services are separate from notarial fees and will be disclosed to you before the Service is performed.

5.3 Government Fees. Unless your Invoice states otherwise, Government Fees are not included in the Firm's service fees and are charged to you in addition. Government Fees are set by the relevant Authority, may change without notice, and may be charged in foreign currency. If an Authority increases its fee or requires an additional fee after your order is accepted, you agree to pay the difference.

5.4 Shipping Fees. Shipping Fees are charged in addition to service fees unless your Invoice states otherwise. You are responsible for all Shipping Fees, including return shipping, re-delivery, address correction, customs duties, import taxes, brokerage fees, and any charges imposed by the destination country. Shipping insurance is optional and is your choice, as described in Section 7.

5.5 Taxes. Fees do not include sales, use, value-added, or similar taxes unless stated. You are responsible for all applicable taxes other than taxes on the Firm's income.

5.6 Payment terms. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment in full is due before the Firm begins work. For School Partners and other approved accounts, payment is due according to the terms stated on the Order Form or Invoice. The Firm may require full or partial prepayment, especially for Government Fees, consular fees, and translation costs. The Firm is not required to begin, continue, submit, or release any Service or Document until payment is received in full.

5.7 Payment methods. The Firm accepts the payment methods stated on its Invoice or the Website. Payments processed by third-party payment processors are subject to those processors' terms. Card processing or convenience fees may apply where permitted by law and disclosed to you in advance.

5.8 Late payment. Overdue amounts may accrue interest at the lesser of one percent (1%) per month or the maximum rate permitted by law, from the due date until paid. You agree to pay reasonable costs of collection, including collection agency fees, reasonable attorneys' fees, and court costs, to the extent permitted by law. The Firm may hold Documents and completed work until all amounts owed are paid, to the extent permitted by law.

5.9 Returned payments. A fee may be charged for any returned check or declined, reversed, or failed payment, to the extent permitted by law.

6. Turnaround Times and No-Guarantee Disclaimer

6.1 Estimates only. Any turnaround time, processing time, delivery date, or deadline the Firm provides, whether on the Website, in a quote, by email, or verbally, is a good-faith estimate only. It is not a guarantee or a binding commitment, and time is not of the essence for any Service unless the Firm's owner expressly agrees otherwise in a signed writing.

6.2 Factors outside our control. Processing times, requirements, and decisions of Authorities, including state offices, the U.S. Department of State, embassies, consulates, ministries, and universities, are entirely outside the Firm's control. Authorities may change their procedures, fees, appointment availability, hours, or requirements at any time without notice; may close for holidays, staffing shortages, government shutdowns, or other reasons; and may delay, return, or reject Documents for reasons they do not explain. Courier transit times and customs clearance are also outside our control.

6.3 When turnaround begins. Turnaround estimates begin only after the Firm has received all required Documents in proper form, complete order information, and full payment, and are measured in business days, excluding weekends and federal, Pennsylvania, and relevant foreign holidays.

6.4 Expedited or rush service. Rush or expedited service means that the Firm will prioritize its own handling of your order. It does not guarantee faster processing by any Authority or courier. Rush fees compensate the Firm for prioritized handling and are earned when the Firm begins prioritized handling, even if an Authority or courier causes delay.

6.5 No guarantee of acceptance or outcome. THE FIRM DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT ANY DOCUMENT, NOTARIZATION, APOSTILLE, LEGALIZATION, TRANSLATION, DOSSIER, OR APPLICATION WILL BE ISSUED, APPROVED, OR ACCEPTED BY ANY AUTHORITY, FOREIGN GOVERNMENT, UNIVERSITY, MINISTRY, CONSULATE, EMBASSY, EMPLOYER, OR INSTITUTION, OR THAT ANY PARTICULAR RESULT, VISA, RESIDENCY, CITIZENSHIP, DEGREE RECOGNITION, ADMISSION, OR EMPLOYMENT WILL BE OBTAINED. The decision to issue, accept, or reject any Document rests solely with the relevant Authority.

6.6 Your deadlines. You are responsible for ordering Services early enough to meet your own deadlines, including application, enrollment, visa, travel, and court deadlines. The Firm is not liable for any missed deadline, missed appointment, lost opportunity, travel change, or related cost, whether or not you told us about the deadline.

7. Third-Party Providers, Government Agencies, and Couriers

7.1 Use of Third-Party Providers. You acknowledge and agree that the Firm relies on Third-Party Providers to perform parts of the Services, including Authorities, couriers and postal services (such as FedEx, UPS, DHL, and USPS), translators, independent notaries, RON technology platforms, and other independent service providers. You authorize the Firm to select and use Third-Party Providers as the Firm considers appropriate and to share your Documents and information with them as needed to perform the Services. Third-Party Providers are independent and are not employees, agents, or partners of the Firm, and the Firm does not control their acts or omissions.

7.2 No liability for Third-Party Providers. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE FIRM IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS, DELAY, DAMAGE, MISDELIVERY, REJECTION, ERROR, FEE, OR OTHER HARM CAUSED IN WHOLE OR IN PART BY ANY THIRD-PARTY PROVIDER, including: (a) loss, theft, damage, or delay of Documents while in the possession of a courier, postal service, Authority, or customs authority; (b) any act, omission, decision, error, delay, closure, policy change, or fee change of any Authority; (c) customs inspection, seizure, holds, duties, or return of shipments; and (d) technical failures of third-party platforms.

7.3 Courier terms apply. Every shipment is subject to the terms, conditions, and liability limits of the courier or postal service that carries it. Any claim for loss, damage, or delay in transit must be made against the courier under its claims process. The Firm will provide reasonable assistance, such as tracking information and shipping records, at your request, but the Firm does not guarantee the outcome of any claim and is not responsible for any amount the courier does not pay.

7.4 Shipping insurance is your option. Declared-value coverage or shipping insurance is available at your option and expense where the courier offers it. If you do not request and pay for insurance or declared-value coverage, you accept the risk of loss, damage, or delay in transit, and the courier's default liability limits (if any) will apply. Even when insurance is purchased, coverage is provided by the courier or insurer, not the Firm, and the Firm is not the insurer.

7.5 Client-arranged shipping. If you, or anyone acting for you, choose the courier, provide a shipping label, use a prepaid envelope, or send Documents to us, you bear all risk of loss, damage, or delay for that shipment. The Firm is not responsible for Documents until they are actually received at our office and logged in, and is not responsible for Documents sent to an incorrect address.

7.6 Delivery. A shipment is considered delivered when the courier's tracking records show delivery to the address you provided, including delivery left at the address without signature unless you purchased signature confirmation. Risk of loss passes to you upon tender of the shipment to the courier for delivery to you or your designee.

7.7 International shipments. You are responsible for compliance with the import requirements of the destination country and for all customs duties, taxes, and fees. The Firm is not responsible for shipments that are delayed, held, returned, or destroyed by customs or other Authorities, or for any charges they impose.

8. Translations

8.1 Certified Translations. A "Certified Translation" is a translation accompanied by a signed statement from the translator or translation provider certifying that the translation is complete and accurate to the best of the translator's knowledge and ability. Upon request and for an additional fee, a certification statement may be notarized. A Certified Translation is not a Sworn Translation.

8.2 Sworn Translations. A "Sworn Translation" (sometimes called an official translation) is a translation prepared or certified by a translator who is sworn, appointed, or authorized by the competent authority of a particular country, or prepared in the specific form that a particular Authority requires. Requirements for Sworn Translations differ by country and Authority. Where a Sworn Translation is ordered, the Firm will arrange for it to be prepared by a translator it reasonably believes is qualified for the stated purpose, but you are responsible for confirming that the receiving Authority accepts the type of translation you order.

8.3 Source document controls. Translations are prepared from the Documents you provide, exactly as they appear. The translator translates the content of the source Document and does not correct, verify, interpret, or update it. If the source Document contains errors, inconsistent spellings, outdated information, or illegible parts, the translation will reflect them, and illegible parts may be marked as illegible. In case of any discrepancy between a translation and its source Document, the source Document controls.

8.4 Names and specialized terms. You must provide the correct spelling of all personal names, place names, and institution names as they appear in your passport or other official identification, along with any preferred terminology, at the time of ordering. Unless you instruct otherwise, names will be rendered as they appear in the source Document or according to standard transliteration conventions.

8.5 Review period and corrections. You must review every translation promptly after delivery. You have seven (7) calendar days from the date the translation (including any draft or electronic copy) is delivered to you to request corrections in writing (the "Review Period"). The Firm will correct, free of charge, any errors that are actual mistranslations, omissions, or typographical errors caused by the translator. Requests based on changes to the source Document, new information, or your terminology or style preferences are not corrections and may be charged as additional work. If you do not request corrections within the Review Period, the translation is deemed accepted, and any later changes may be charged as new work. Corrections after a translation has been notarized, apostilled, legalized, submitted, or shipped may require re-processing at your expense.

8.6 Terminology preferences. Language allows for more than one correct translation. The Firm is not liable for differences in style, word choice, terminology preferences, grading-scale conversions, or the rendering of academic titles, degree names, or course names, provided the translation is a reasonable and accurate rendering of the source Document. The Firm does not convert or evaluate grades, credits, or degrees unless expressly agreed in the Order Form.

8.7 No guarantee of acceptance. The Firm does not guarantee that any translation will be accepted by any receiving Authority. Authorities may have specific, changing, or unpublished requirements about the translator's credentials, location, sworn status, format, binding, notarization, Apostille, or Legalization. You are responsible for confirming these requirements before ordering.

8.8 Sequence of translation and authentication. Some Authorities require the Apostille or Legalization itself to be translated, and others require the translation to be apostilled or legalized. Unless the Order Form states otherwise, you are responsible for telling the Firm which sequence is required.

9. Notarization and Remote Online Notarization (RON)

9.1 Identity verification. Every signer must personally appear before the notary, physically or, for RON, by real-time audio-video communication, and must present current, valid, government-issued photo identification acceptable under applicable law, or otherwise be identified as permitted by law. For RON, signers must also complete any identity proofing, knowledge-based authentication, credential analysis, or other verification required by law or by the RON platform. The notary may refuse to proceed if identity cannot be satisfactorily verified.

9.2 Notary's right to refuse. A notary may refuse to perform any notarial act, in the notary's professional judgment and as permitted or required by law, including when: (a) the notary is not satisfied as to the signer's identity; (b) the signer appears to lack the capacity to understand the document or the act, or appears to be signing under duress, coercion, or undue influence; (c) the document is incomplete, contains blank spaces, or appears altered or fraudulent; (d) the notarial certificate is missing, improper, or prohibited by law; (e) the signer cannot communicate directly with the notary in a language the notary understands, or an acceptable interpreter is not available where permitted; (f) the act would violate any law or the notary's ethical obligations; or (g) the notary has a disqualifying interest. If a notary refuses to perform an act for any of these reasons, travel, mobile, appointment, and platform fees already incurred are non-refundable.

9.3 Notary does not verify content. A notarial act verifies only the matters stated in the notarial certificate, such as the identity of the signer and the fact that the signer signed or acknowledged the document. The notary does not read for, verify, certify, or vouch for the truth, accuracy, legality, validity, or effect of the contents of any document; does not draft or explain documents; and does not determine whether a document meets the requirements of any Authority. The notary also does not certify the authenticity of documents presented as copies, except where a copy certification is permitted by law and expressly requested.

9.4 Document readiness. You must bring complete documents, with all pages, and must not sign documents that require a signature in the notary's presence before meeting with the notary. Any required witnesses must be arranged by you unless the Firm agrees in writing to provide them, and witnesses must bring acceptable identification.

9.5 Mobile and travel appointments. Mobile and travel fees compensate the Firm for travel time and expenses, are earned upon arrival at the appointment location, and are non-refundable if the signer is late, absent, unprepared, lacks proper identification, or if the notarization cannot be completed for any reason outside the Firm's control. Late cancellations and missed appointments may be charged as stated in Section 14. Waiting time beyond a reasonable grace period may be charged.

9.6 RON-specific terms. RON is available only where permitted by applicable law and only for documents and signers eligible for RON. You are responsible for providing a compatible device, a stable internet connection, a working camera and microphone, and a private location. You consent to the audio-video recording of the RON session and to the Firm and its RON platform retaining the recording and related records for the period required by law. Some Authorities, foreign governments, schools, and recording offices do not accept electronically notarized documents. In particular, schools located in the United States usually require wet-ink (handwritten, in-person) notarization for registrar signatures and school records, and many foreign Authorities require wet-ink originals. You are responsible for confirming that RON is acceptable for your purpose before ordering. The Firm is not responsible for technical failures of the RON platform or your equipment.

9.7 Notary journal. Notaries maintain a journal and records of notarial acts as required by law. You agree to provide the information required for the journal, including your signature and, where permitted or required, other identifying information.

10. Apostille and Legalization

10.1 Issuing Authority. An Apostille can only be issued by the competent authority designated by the jurisdiction where the Document originated. Generally, Documents issued or notarized in a U.S. state are apostilled by that state's designated office, and federal Documents (such as those signed by federal officials) are apostilled by the U.S. Department of State. The Firm submits Documents to the appropriate Authority on your behalf; it does not issue Apostilles or Legalizations itself.

10.2 Eligibility. Not every Document is eligible for an Apostille or Legalization. Authorities may refuse Documents that are not originals or proper certified copies, that bear a signature or seal not on file, that are too old, that bear an improper notarial certificate, that are damaged or altered, or that do not meet other requirements. If an Authority rejects a Document, the Firm will notify you, and correcting and re-submitting the Document is an additional Service subject to additional fees, including new Government Fees and Shipping Fees.

10.3 Hague versus non-Hague countries. An Apostille is used for countries that are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention. Countries that are not parties, and some parties for certain purposes, require Legalization, which may involve multiple steps, such as state certification, U.S. Department of State authentication, and embassy or consular legalization. You must accurately tell the Firm the country where the Document will be used. The Firm is not responsible for Documents processed incorrectly because the wrong destination country was provided.

10.4 E-Apostilles. Some jurisdictions issue Apostilles electronically. Some Authorities, foreign governments, universities, and consulates do not accept e-Apostilles or electronically notarized Documents, or require a paper original. Where a choice exists, you are responsible for choosing the appropriate format and for confirming acceptance with the receiving Authority.

10.5 Embassy and consular Legalization. Embassies and consulates set their own requirements, fees, appointment procedures, processing times, and hours, and may change them at any time without notice. They may require additional documents, translations, forms, letters, copies of identification, or proof of purpose, and may refuse Legalization in their sole discretion. Consular fees are non-refundable once paid or once Documents are submitted.

10.6 Effect of Apostille or Legalization. An Apostille or Legalization certifies only the authenticity of the signature, the capacity of the person who signed the Document, and, where applicable, the identity of the seal or stamp on the Document. It does not certify the content of the Document and does not guarantee that the Document will be accepted for any purpose.

10.7 Do not alter Documents. Do not remove staples, ribbons, grommets, seals, or attached certificates from any apostilled or legalized Document. Altering a Document may invalidate the Apostille or Legalization. The Firm is not responsible for Documents that are altered after they leave our possession.

11. Italy Declaration of Value (DOV)

11.1 Scope. For DOV Services, the Firm prepares a dossier of the required Documents, which may include obtaining or arranging notarization, Apostilles, translations, registrar letters, and application forms, and submits the dossier to the Italian consulate with jurisdiction, as described in the Order Form. The Firm is not an agent of, and has no special relationship with, any Italian consulate or Italian authority.

11.2 Consulate discretion. The Italian consulate has sole and complete discretion over whether, when, and in what form a DOV is issued. The consulate may require additional documents, changes, letters, translations, forms, fees, or appointments; may change its requirements at any time; may interpret requirements differently from other consulates or from its own prior practice; and may refuse, delay, or return a DOV application. The Firm does not guarantee that a DOV will be issued, that it will be issued by a particular date, or that it will contain any specific wording, equivalence, or evaluation.

11.3 Consulate timelines. DOV processing times are set by the consulate, vary widely, and can take weeks or months. Any timeline the Firm provides is an estimate based on past experience and is not a guarantee. The Firm is not responsible for any consequence of DOV processing time, including missed university enrollment, visa, scholarship, or employment deadlines.

11.4 Registrar double-statement letters. Many Italian consulates require one or more letters signed by the school's registrar or another authorized official, which may include a "double statement" letter (for example, a letter confirming both the student's enrollment or completion of studies and the school's accreditation or legal status), in the form the consulate requires. These letters must be issued by the school, not by the Firm. You, and any School Partner, are responsible for obtaining correctly worded, signed letters on official letterhead and for any wet-ink notarization required. The Firm may provide sample wording as a courtesy, but the school is solely responsible for the content and truth of its letters. Delays or rejections caused by missing, late, or incorrect registrar letters are not the Firm's responsibility.

11.5 Follow-up interval. After a DOV dossier is submitted, the Firm will not follow up with the consulate about the application status until the follow-up interval stated in the Order Form has passed or, if no interval is stated, until one (1) month after the date of submission. Consulates often discourage or do not respond to early status requests, and early inquiries may not speed up processing. After the follow-up interval, the Firm will make reasonable efforts to ask the consulate for a status update, but the Firm cannot compel the consulate to respond or act.

11.6 Consular fees and fee waivers. Consular fees are set by the consulate and are your responsibility unless the Order Form states otherwise. The consulate may, in its sole discretion, waive the consular fee for certain applicants, such as continuing students. The Firm does not guarantee that any fee waiver will be granted. If the consulate does not grant a waiver, you agree to pay the applicable consular fee. Any refund of a consular fee is subject to the consulate's own policy.

11.7 Delivery of the issued DOV. Once a DOV is issued, the consulate may return it by mail, require pickup, or issue it electronically, as it decides. Return shipping is subject to Sections 5 and 7.

12. Spain Homologación

12.1 Scope. For Homologación Services, the Firm prepares, authenticates, and translates Documents, which may include academic transcripts, diplomas, curricula, identity documents, and supporting letters, as described in the Order Form, so that you may submit them (or the Firm may submit them, where the Order Form so states) to the competent Spanish authority. The Firm does not represent you before any Spanish authority and does not give advice on the merits or legal strategy of your application.

12.2 The ministry decides. The decision to grant, deny, condition, or request more information on a Homologación or equivalence application rests solely with the competent Spanish ministry or authority. That authority may require additional Documents, exams, coursework, or corrections, and may grant recognition only in part or with conditions. THE FIRM PREPARES AND LEGALIZES DOCUMENTS BUT DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT ANY QUALIFICATION WILL BE RECOGNIZED, HOMOLOGATED, OR DECLARED EQUIVALENT, OR THAT ANY PARTICULAR RESULT WILL BE OBTAINED.

12.3 Timelines. Homologación procedures are often lengthy and may take many months or longer. Processing times are set by the Spanish authority and are outside the Firm's control. Any timeline the Firm provides is an estimate only.

12.4 Translation of all pages. The Spanish authorities generally require an official translation into Spanish of every page of every non-Spanish Document submitted, including the reverse side of pages, stamps, seals, handwritten notes, and the Apostille itself. You agree to provide complete copies of every page, front and back, and you agree that translation fees will be based on all pages that must be translated. The Firm is not responsible for rejections caused by pages you did not provide or chose not to translate.

12.5 Legalization and form requirements. Documents for Homologación generally must bear an Apostille or other required Legalization and must meet other formal requirements set by the Spanish authority, such as the type of copy, the issuing office, or the format of the translation. You are responsible for confirming the current requirements for your specific application and level of study.

12.6 Application and fees. Unless the Order Form states otherwise, you are responsible for completing and filing the application, paying all Spanish government fees (tasas), and responding to all communications from the Spanish authority by any stated deadline.

13. Middle States and School Partner Services

13.1 Applicability. This Section applies to Services arranged through or involving a School Partner, including MSA-accredited schools, such as embossing, collection of Documents, registrar notarization, Apostille, translation, and consulate submission. This Section supplements the rest of these Terms.

13.2 School and registrar cooperation. School Partner Services depend on the timely cooperation of the school and its registrar. The school is responsible for issuing accurate official records and letters, applying any required embossed seal, ensuring that authorized officials sign in wet ink before a notary when required, keeping signatures and signer authority current with the relevant Authorities, and responding promptly to the Firm's requests. The Firm is not responsible for delays, rejections, or extra costs caused by a school's failure to cooperate, by incorrect or incomplete school records, or by changes in school personnel.

13.3 Wet-ink requirement. Because schools located in the United States usually require, and most Authorities expect, wet-ink notarization of registrar signatures, registrar notarizations for School Partner Services will generally be performed in person. Electronic notarization will be used only where the school, the Firm, and the receiving Authority have confirmed that it is acceptable.

13.4 Student data handling. In performing School Partner Services, the Firm may receive personal information about students and graduates, including names, dates of birth, identification numbers, academic records, and contact details. The Firm will use this information only to perform the requested Services, will share it only with Third-Party Providers as needed to perform those Services, and will protect it with reasonable administrative, physical, and technical safeguards. The School Partner is responsible for ensuring that it has any consent or authorization required by law, including under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) where applicable, to disclose student records to the Firm, and for informing students and their families as required. Where a student is a minor, a parent or legal guardian must authorize the Services.

13.5 Separate submission per student. Each student's Documents are processed and submitted as a separate order and file unless the Order Form expressly states otherwise. Government Fees, consular fees, translation fees, and Shipping Fees apply per student and per Document. A delay, rejection, or problem with one student's file does not entitle any other student or the School Partner to a refund, delay, or change in another student's order.

13.6 School-specific pricing. Pricing for School Partner Services is as stated in the School Partner's Order Form or Invoice. School-specific pricing applies only to the School Partner and its students for the Services, period, and volume stated, is confidential, and may not be combined with other offers. Where the Order Form does not state otherwise, the Firm's standard pricing applies.

13.7 Responsibility for payment. The Order Form will state whether the School Partner, the student, or the student's family is responsible for payment. If payment is not received from the responsible party, the Firm may suspend Services for the affected student until payment is made.

14. Cancellations and Refund Policy

14.1 Cancellation before work begins. You may cancel an order by written notice (including email) to the Firm before any work has started. In that case, the Firm will refund amounts paid for the cancelled Services, less any non-refundable fees described in Section 14.3 and any processing costs already incurred.

14.2 No refunds once work has started. Except as required by law or expressly stated in these Terms, NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN ONCE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING HAS STARTED: review or preparation of Documents; notarization; submission of Documents to any Authority, embassy, or consulate; translation; dossier preparation; collection of Documents from a school or Authority; or shipping. This applies even if you no longer need the Services, change your plans, or an Authority later rejects or delays the Documents.

14.3 Non-refundable fees. Government Fees, consular and embassy fees, courier and Shipping Fees, translation costs, RON platform fees, and other fees paid to Third-Party Providers are non-refundable once paid, committed, or incurred, regardless of the outcome of the Service, unless and only to the extent the Firm actually receives a refund from the Third-Party Provider.

14.4 Appointments. Mobile, travel, and in-office appointments cancelled or rescheduled with less than twenty-four (24) hours' notice, or missed without notice, may be charged a cancellation fee or the full travel fee, as stated in your booking confirmation or Invoice.

14.5 Partial refunds at the Firm's discretion. The Firm may, in its sole discretion, offer a partial refund or credit in special circumstances. Any discretionary refund or credit is a courtesy, is not an admission of fault or liability, and does not create an obligation to offer refunds in other cases. Accepting a refund or credit constitutes full settlement of any claim relating to the affected Service.

14.6 Chargebacks. If you have a concern about a charge, you agree to contact the Firm first and give us a reasonable opportunity to resolve it under Section 21.1 before you dispute the charge with your bank or card issuer. Filing a chargeback or payment dispute for Services that were provided, or for fees that are non-refundable under these Terms, is a breach of these Terms. The Firm may contest any chargeback by providing your Order Form, Invoice, electronic acceptance of these Terms, communications, and proof of Services to the payment processor. If a chargeback is filed, the Firm may suspend all pending Services and hold Documents to the extent permitted by law, and you agree to pay all amounts owed, plus any chargeback fees and reasonable collection costs incurred by the Firm.

14.7 Abandoned orders and Documents. If you do not respond to the Firm's communications, complete payment, or arrange pickup or delivery of your Documents within sixty (60) days after the Firm's written notice to you, the order may be treated as abandoned. The Firm will then retain any amounts paid for work performed and fees incurred, and may return Documents to the last address you provided at your expense, or, after a further thirty (30) days' notice, securely destroy copies and return or dispose of originals in accordance with applicable law.

15. Limitation of Liability

15.1 Disclaimer of warranties. EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY STATED IN THESE TERMS, THE SERVICES AND THE WEBSITE ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE." TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE FIRM DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT, AND ANY WARRANTY THAT ANY DOCUMENT WILL BE ACCEPTED BY ANY AUTHORITY. The Firm's only warranty is that it will perform the Services it actually performs with reasonable care and skill consistent with generally accepted standards for similar services.

15.2 Cap on liability. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE FIRM'S TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU AND TO ANYONE CLAIMING THROUGH YOU FOR ALL CLAIMS OF ANY KIND ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE SERVICES, THE WEBSITE, OR THESE TERMS, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY, STATUTE, OR OTHERWISE, IS LIMITED TO THE SERVICE FEES ACTUALLY PAID BY YOU TO THE FIRM FOR THE SPECIFIC SERVICE GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM, EXCLUDING GOVERNMENT FEES, CONSULAR FEES, SHIPPING FEES, TAXES, AND OTHER AMOUNTS PASSED THROUGH TO THIRD PARTIES.

15.3 No indirect or consequential damages. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, IN NO EVENT WILL THE FIRM BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR FOR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS, INCOME, EMPLOYMENT, BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY, ADMISSION, SCHOLARSHIP, TUITION, VISA, IMMIGRATION STATUS, TRAVEL COSTS, ACCOMMODATION COSTS, OR GOODWILL, OR FOR EMOTIONAL DISTRESS, MISSED DEADLINES, OR THE COST OF REPLACEMENT DOCUMENTS OR SERVICES, EVEN IF THE FIRM WAS ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES AND EVEN IF A LIMITED REMEDY FAILS OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE.

15.4 Time limit for claims. To the extent permitted by law, any claim arising out of or relating to the Services must be brought within one (1) year after the date the Service was completed or the claim arose, whichever is earlier, or the claim is permanently barred.

15.5 Exclusions. Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes liability that cannot be limited or excluded under applicable law, including liability for the Firm's fraud, or for gross negligence or willful misconduct to the extent such a limitation is unenforceable under applicable law. Nothing in these Terms limits any recovery available to you under a notary public's bond as provided by law.

15.6 Basis of the bargain. You acknowledge that the Firm's fees reflect the allocation of risk in these Terms, and that the Firm would not provide the Services without these limitations.

16. Indemnification

16.1 To the maximum extent permitted by law, you agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Firm and its owner, employees, notaries, contractors, and agents from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, losses, damages, liabilities, penalties, fines, costs, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs, arising out of or relating to: (a) any Document or information you provide, including any claim that a Document is false, inaccurate, forged, altered, fraudulent, or unlawfully obtained; (b) your breach of these Terms or of any representation or warranty you make; (c) your violation of any law or the rights of any third party; (d) your use of any Document or Service; (e) any claim by a person on whose behalf you requested Services, including students, family members, employers, or principals; and (f) where you are a School Partner, any claim by a student or third party relating to records or information you provided.

16.2 The Firm may participate in the defense of any claim with counsel of its choice. You may not settle any claim that imposes any obligation on the Firm or admits fault on its behalf without the Firm's prior written consent.

17. Privacy, Confidentiality, and Document Retention

17.1 Confidentiality. The Firm treats your Documents and personal information as confidential. The Firm will use and disclose them only: (a) to perform the Services; (b) to Third-Party Providers as needed to perform the Services, including Authorities, couriers, translators, RON platforms, and payment processors; (c) as required by law, subpoena, court order, or Authority request; (d) to prevent fraud, protect the rights or safety of the Firm or others, or enforce these Terms; or (e) with your consent.

17.2 Your consent. By ordering Services, you consent to the Firm collecting, using, storing, and sharing your Documents and personal information as described in this Section, including transferring them to Authorities and Third-Party Providers located outside the United States where the Services require it, such as foreign consulates, embassies, and ministries. Information sent to a foreign Authority is subject to that Authority's laws and practices, which the Firm does not control.

17.3 Security. The Firm uses reasonable administrative, physical, and technical measures to protect your Documents and information. However, no method of storage or electronic transmission, including email, is completely secure, and the Firm cannot guarantee absolute security. You accept the risks of sending Documents and information by email, upload, or other electronic means.

17.4 Website data. The Website may use cookies, analytics tools, and similar technologies to operate and improve the Website. Information you submit through Website forms is used to respond to your request and provide Services. The Firm does not sell your personal information. Our Privacy Policy, published on the Website, explains in more detail how we collect, use, share, and protect personal information, and forms part of these Terms.

17.5 Communications. By providing your phone number or email address, you agree that the Firm may contact you by phone, text message, and email about your order and the Services. Message and data rates may apply. You may opt out of non-essential messages at any time.

17.6 Document retention. Original Documents are returned to you or delivered as stated in your order. The Firm may keep copies of Documents, Order Forms, Invoices, communications, shipping records, and payment records for business, legal, tax, and compliance purposes for as long as it considers reasonably necessary, generally up to seven (7) years, after which they may be securely destroyed. Notary journals and RON audio-video recordings are kept for the periods required by Pennsylvania law and the laws of any other jurisdiction that applies, and may not be deleted on request before those periods end. The Firm is not obligated to keep copies of your Documents for your future use, and you should not rely on the Firm as a storage or archive service.

17.7 Requests. You may contact the Firm to ask about the personal information it holds about you or to request correction or deletion, subject to the Firm's legal retention obligations.

18. Lost or Damaged Originals

18.1 Risk of originals. Many Services require you to provide original Documents, which must be handled by the Firm, Authorities, consulates, and couriers. You acknowledge that original Documents may be lost, damaged, stamped, stapled, bound, perforated, embossed, or retained by an Authority in the normal course of processing, and that some Authorities permanently attach certificates to Documents or keep the Documents they receive.

18.2 Limited responsibility. The Firm will take reasonable care of original Documents while they are in its physical possession. The Firm is not responsible for Documents that are lost, damaged, delayed, or retained while in the possession of any Third-Party Provider or Authority, or while in transit to or from the Firm.

18.3 Remedy. If an original Document is lost or damaged while in the Firm's physical possession due to the Firm's negligence, the Firm's sole obligation, and your sole and exclusive remedy, is that the Firm will, at its option, (a) reasonably assist you in obtaining a replacement Document from the issuing office and reimburse the issuing office's standard fee for a replacement, or (b) refund the service fees paid for the affected Service, in either case subject to the limitation of liability in Section 15. The Firm is not responsible for the intrinsic, sentimental, or replacement value of any Document beyond this remedy.

18.4 Irreplaceable Documents. Do not send us Documents that cannot be replaced, such as unique historical records, without first discussing it with us and arranging adequate insurance at your expense. If you send irreplaceable Documents, you do so at your own risk.

19. Force Majeure

19.1 The Firm is not liable for any failure or delay in performing the Services caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including: acts of God; natural disasters; severe weather; fire; flood; epidemic or pandemic; public health orders; war, terrorism, civil unrest, or riots; strikes or labor disputes; government shutdowns, closures, or changes in laws, regulations, policies, or procedures; actions, inaction, delays, or backlogs of any Authority; embassy or consulate closures; sanctions or embargoes; courier, postal, or transportation disruptions; customs holds; power, internet, telecommunications, or technology failures; cyberattacks; or the unavailability of Third-Party Providers. In such events, the Firm's time for performance is extended for as long as the event continues, and the Firm may suspend or cancel affected Services. Fees for work already performed and fees paid to Third-Party Providers remain non-refundable.

20. Intellectual Property and Website Use

20.1 Ownership. The Website and all of its content, including text, graphics, logos, trade names (including "Philadelphia Notary & Apostille" and "USA Apostille & Translation Co."), images, forms, templates, checklists, and software, are owned by or licensed to the Firm and are protected by copyright, trademark, and other laws. You may view and print Website content for your personal, non-commercial use in connection with obtaining Services. You may not copy, reproduce, modify, distribute, republish, scrape, or create derivative works from the Website or its content without the Firm's prior written consent.

20.2 Work product. Upon full payment, you may use the translations, dossiers, and other deliverables the Firm prepares for you for the purpose for which they were ordered. The Firm retains all rights in its templates, forms, checklists, methods, and know-how. Any sample letters or templates the Firm provides are for your or your school's use in connection with the Services only.

20.3 Prohibited uses. You agree not to: (a) use the Website for any unlawful or fraudulent purpose; (b) submit false information or impersonate any person; (c) upload malware or interfere with the Website's operation or security; (d) attempt to gain unauthorized access to any system or data; (e) use automated tools to collect data from the Website; or (f) use the Website to send spam or unsolicited communications.

20.4 Website information. Information on the Website is provided for general information only, may not be current or complete, and is not legal advice. Authority requirements change frequently. The Firm does not warrant that the Website is accurate, complete, error-free, or uninterrupted, and may change or remove content at any time.

20.5 Third-party links. The Website may contain links to third-party websites, including Authority websites. The Firm does not control and is not responsible for their content, accuracy, or practices.

21. Governing Law, Venue, and Dispute Resolution

21.1 Good-faith negotiation first. Before starting any arbitration or court proceeding, a party with a dispute must first send the other party a written notice describing the dispute and the relief sought (a "Dispute Notice"). Notices to the Firm must be sent using the contact information in Section 23. The parties will attempt in good faith to resolve the dispute informally for at least thirty (30) days after the Dispute Notice is received. Any applicable time limit for bringing a claim is paused during this period.

21.2 Binding arbitration. If the dispute is not resolved within that period, then, except as provided in Section 21.3, any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms, the Services, or the Website, including the scope, validity, or enforceability of this agreement to arbitrate, will be resolved exclusively by final and binding arbitration before a single neutral arbitrator. The arbitration will be administered by a recognized arbitration provider, such as the American Arbitration Association, under its rules then in effect for consumer or commercial disputes, as applicable, except as modified by these Terms. The arbitration will take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or, at the election of either party, by video conference or on written submissions. The arbitrator's award will be final and binding, and judgment on the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction. This agreement to arbitrate is governed by the Federal Arbitration Act. Each party will bear its own attorneys' fees and costs, except as provided by the applicable arbitration rules or by law, or where the arbitrator finds that a claim was frivolous or brought in bad faith.

21.3 Small claims option. Either party may instead bring an individual claim in small claims court (including the Philadelphia Municipal Court) if the claim qualifies for that court's jurisdiction and remains in that court on an individual basis. Either party may also seek emergency injunctive relief in court to stop infringement of intellectual property rights or unauthorized access to systems or data, and the Firm may bring an action in court to collect unpaid fees.

21.4 Class action waiver. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, YOU AND THE FIRM AGREE THAT EACH MAY BRING CLAIMS AGAINST THE OTHER ONLY IN AN INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS, COLLECTIVE, CONSOLIDATED, OR REPRESENTATIVE PROCEEDING. The arbitrator may not consolidate the claims of more than one person and may not preside over any form of class or representative proceeding. If this class action waiver is found unenforceable as to any claim, that claim must be severed and heard in court as provided in Section 21.6, and not in arbitration.

21.5 Jury trial waiver. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, YOU AND THE FIRM EACH WAIVE THE RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS, THE SERVICES, OR THE WEBSITE.

21.6 Governing law and venue. These Terms and any dispute arising out of or relating to them, the Services, or the Website are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without regard to its conflict-of-laws rules, and, where applicable, the Federal Arbitration Act. For any matter that is permitted to proceed in court under these Terms, including actions to compel arbitration, enforce an arbitral award, or seek injunctive relief, the parties consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state courts located in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, and waive any objection based on inconvenient forum.

21.7 Opt-out of arbitration. You may opt out of the agreement to arbitrate in Section 21.2 by sending written notice to the Firm using the contact information in Section 23 within thirty (30) days after you first accept these Terms. Your notice must include your name, address, and a clear statement that you are opting out of arbitration. If you opt out, disputes will be resolved in the courts described in Section 21.6, and the class action waiver and jury trial waiver will still apply to the extent permitted by law.

21.8 Survival. This Section 21 survives the completion or termination of the Services and these Terms.

22. Severability, Entire Agreement, and Changes to Terms

22.1 Severability. If any provision of these Terms is held invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, that provision will be enforced to the maximum extent permitted and modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, and the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

22.2 Entire agreement. These Terms, together with the applicable Order Form, Invoice, and any Privacy Policy published on the Website, are the entire agreement between you and the Firm regarding the Services, and replace all prior or contemporaneous statements, advertisements, understandings, and agreements, whether written or oral. No statement by any employee, notary, contractor, or agent of the Firm, including any statement about timing, acceptance, or outcome, changes these Terms unless it is in a writing signed by the Firm's owner.

22.3 Changes to Terms. The Firm may update these Terms from time to time by posting a revised version on the Website with a new effective date. The version in effect when you place an order governs that order, unless you agree otherwise. Your continued use of the Website, or your placing of a new order, after a revised version is posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms. Changes to Section 21 will not apply to any dispute of which the Firm had actual notice before the change.

22.4 No waiver. The Firm's failure or delay in enforcing any provision is not a waiver of its right to enforce that provision or any other provision later.

22.5 Assignment. You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under these Terms without the Firm's prior written consent. The Firm may assign its rights and obligations to a successor business or affiliate without your consent.

22.6 Independent parties. Nothing in these Terms creates a partnership, joint venture, agency, fiduciary, employment, or attorney-client relationship between you and the Firm.

22.7 Notices. The Firm may give you notice by email, text message, mail, or posting on the Website. You must give the Firm notice in writing using the contact information in Section 23.

22.8 Survival. Sections 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22, and any other provisions that by their nature should survive, survive the completion or termination of the Services.

22.9 Headings and language. Section headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation. These Terms are written in English. If these Terms are translated into another language, the English version controls.

23. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms, wish to send a Dispute Notice or arbitration opt-out notice, or need to contact us about your order, please contact:

Philadelphia Notary & Apostille
(also operating as USA Apostille & Translation Co.)
Owner: Brian Perez
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Phone: (215) 892-2680
Website: philanotary-apostille.com

By using the Website or ordering Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

24. Shipping & Logistics

24.1 Shipments in transit. Once a shipment has been tendered to a carrier and is in transit, its handling and delivery are outside the Firm's control. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, the Firm is not responsible for carrier handling, delays, loss, damage, or misdelivery occurring while the shipment is in transit. This provision is subject to the limitations and exclusions in Section 15 and does not exclude liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.

24.2 Accurate and complete delivery information. The Client is responsible for providing a correct and complete delivery address, accurate recipient contact information, and all information required for delivery. The Client must verify this information before shipment and bears responsibility for delays, failed delivery, returns, and additional charges resulting from incorrect, incomplete, or untimely information.

24.3 Recipient tax identification and customs codes. The Client is responsible for obtaining and providing any recipient tax identification number, customs registration, clearance code, or other identifier required by the destination country, including, where applicable, Brazil's CPF or Korea's Personal Customs Clearance Code. All identifiers must be valid, accurate, and consistent with the recipient's information and the destination country's requirements.

24.4 Customs duties, taxes, and clearance. The Client is solely responsible for all customs duties, import taxes, assessments, clearance fees, and import or customs clearance requirements applicable to the shipment, including providing required declarations, supporting Documents, and timely responses to customs requests. The Firm does not guarantee customs clearance or any particular clearance or delivery date.

24.5 Customs delays and returned shipments. Delays, holds, failed clearance, or returns caused by customs procedures or by incorrect, incomplete, missing, or untimely information are the Client's responsibility. The Client is responsible for resulting storage, address correction, return shipping, and re-shipment charges. Such events do not create an obligation for the Firm to refund service fees or shipping charges already incurred, except as required by applicable law.

25. Single Status Affidavit

25.1 Fee-based standard template. For the Single Status Affidavit service, the Firm provides its standard template for a fee. The template is generic and is not tailored to the laws, procedures, or particular requirements of any foreign jurisdiction or receiving Authority. Any additional Services are limited to those expressly stated in the applicable Order Form or Invoice.

25.2 No legal advice or legal representation. The Firm is not a law firm. Providing the template or assistance with the related document service does not constitute legal advice, legal representation, or an attorney-client relationship. The Client should consult a qualified attorney where advice concerning legal rights, marital status, or the legal effect or suitability of an affidavit is required.

25.3 No guarantee of foreign acceptance. The Firm does not guarantee that the template, a completed affidavit, or any related notarization, Apostille, Legalization, or translation will be accepted by any foreign Authority. Acceptance rests solely with the receiving Authority, which may require its own form, different wording, additional evidence, or other formalities.

25.4 Client verification of requirements. Before ordering or using the template, the Client is responsible for confirming the current requirements directly with the receiving Authority, including the required form and wording, supporting Documents, notarization, authentication, translation, and validity periods. The Client is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of all statements made in the affidavit.