Begin with a document inventory
List the passports you hold, your current residence and the countries that issue your birth, marriage and other civil-status records. Prepare family details and identify any changes of name, spelling or nationality.
Check consistency early
Compare names, dates and places across records. Different scripts and transliteration systems can create mismatches. Flag them to the legal team before ordering translations.
Confirm authentication before paying for it
Apostille or consular legalisation requirements depend on the issuing jurisdiction, document type, receiving authority and relevant treaty framework. Check the route for the actual document rather than relying on an old generic country checklist.
For example, the Apostille Convention entered into force for mainland China on 7 November 2023. That does not remove the need to verify the treatment of an individual document. See the HCCH announcement.
Agree the secure exchange process
Begin with document descriptions, not sensitive scans in an open enquiry. Ask the team how to provide complete records once the engagement and exchange process are agreed.
A starting inventory is not the final authority checklist. Further records may be required after your circumstances are assessed.
Discuss your document plan