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Some of life's biggest milestones cross borders, like a wedding in Ireland, an adoption from overseas, or claiming the Italian or Irish citizenship your grandparents passed down. Nearly all of them come with paperwork that needs an apostille.
Marriage Abroad
Countries that host destination weddings often ask for:
- A certified birth certificate (often recently issued)
- A certificate of no impediment or a single-status affidavit, usually a sworn statement you sign before a notary
- Divorce decrees or death certificates from previous marriages, if they apply
The sworn statements are where we come in. We notarize them with a complete jurat or acknowledgment, which the Maine Secretary of State then apostilles.
International Adoption
Adoption dossiers can be long and highly specific. Common items include:
- Home study and agency letters
- Medical letters, employment letters, and financial statements
- Notarized powers of attorney and affidavits
- Birth and marriage certificates
Each signer, such as a doctor, employer, or social worker, often needs to sign before a notary. We can travel to offices in Portland, Falmouth, Yarmouth, or the Kennebunks so busy professionals don't have to leave work. The confidential concierge approach fits these sensitive files well.
Dual Citizenship by Descent
Citizenship-by-descent applications usually require certified vital records for several generations. For Maine-issued records:
- Order certified copies from Maine DHHS Vital Records or the town clerk.
- The Maine Secretary of State notes that vital records can be forwarded from Vital Records for authentication.
- Records issued by other states must be apostilled in those states.
The Maine Secretary of State Step
The state lists its fee as $10 per certification, with about 10 to 15 business days for mailed requests. Notary Java makes regular weekly trips to Augusta, and next-day service is often available. There's no expedite fee if we can fit you into a trip, but we never guarantee timing.
Tips to Avoid Delays
- Check the destination's requirements for how recent documents must be. Some want copies issued within the last six months.
- Ask whether translations are needed, and whether they must be done before or after the apostille.
- Keep the original sets together. Apostilles are attached, and removing them can void them.
- Write the destination country on the Secretary of State request form.
These are joyful milestones. Let us handle the Maine paperwork so you can focus on the celebration. Learn more on our apostille services page.
Keep Reading
- How to Get an Apostille in Maine: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Hague vs Non-Hague Countries: Apostille or Authentication?
- Minor Travel Consent Letters: Notarized in One Visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Maine apostille a birth certificate from another state?
No. Each state apostilles its own vital records. A Massachusetts certificate goes to Massachusetts, for example.
Do I need a recent copy of my birth certificate?
Many countries ask for a recently issued certified copy. Confirm with the embassy, consulate, or agency.
Can you notarize a single-status affidavit?
Yes. You swear to and sign the affidavit in front of us.
Can you come to our adoption agency or doctor's office?
Yes. We travel to offices in Southern Maine to notarize dossier signers.
Book Your Appointment
Call or text 207-808-0550 to schedule with Notary Java. We are based at 50 Market Street, #400, South Portland, ME 04106, and we come to you across Greater Portland, York and Cumberland counties, and beyond. If you need documents printed, use the Upload Document Now (Send Documents) button in our contact section, or email files to SigningService@NotaryJava.com. That inbox is for sending documents only, so please call or text to book.