Terms & Conditions

In these Terms and Conditions:

• "Service" refers to notarial acts, document authentication, Apostille coordination, and related certification services provided by atestum.
• "Client" or "You" refers to individuals or entities engaging our services.
• "We", "Us", or "Our" refers to atestum and its authorized practitioners.
• "Document" refers to any written instrument submitted for notarization or authentication.
• "Notarial Act" refers to the witnessing, certification, or authentication performed by an authorized notary public.
• "Agreement" refers to the contractual relationship formed when you engage our services.

An agreement is formed when you request our services and we accept your request. This may occur through:

• Scheduling an appointment for notarial services
• Submitting documents for authentication
• Making payment for services
• Executing a formal engagement letter

By engaging our services, you confirm that:

• You are at least 18 years of age and have legal capacity to enter into agreements
• You have authority to submit the documents for notarization or authentication
• Information provided to us is accurate and complete
• You have read and understood these Terms and Conditions

We provide the following notarial and authentication services:

• Notarization of documents including affidavits, statutory declarations, certified copies, and commercial documents
• Coordination of Apostille certification for documents requiring international recognition
• Authentication of corporate documents for overseas use
• Advisory services regarding authentication requirements for different jurisdictions

Service Availability: Services are provided during our business hours at our Hong Kong office. Appointment scheduling is subject to availability.

Scope Limitations: We provide notarial services within the scope of Hong Kong law and professional regulations. We cannot perform acts that exceed notarial authority or violate professional standards.

When engaging our services, you agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete information about document requirements and intended use
• Present valid identification when appearing for notarial acts
• Ensure documents submitted are properly prepared and contain accurate information
• Disclose any relevant facts that might affect the authentication process
• Attend appointments as scheduled or provide reasonable notice of cancellation
• Make timely payment for services rendered
• Collect completed documents within a reasonable timeframe
• Not use our services for any unlawful purpose or to facilitate fraudulent activity

Document Accuracy: You are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of document content. We do not verify the truthfulness of statements contained in documents but only witness signatures or certify copies as true reproductions of originals presented.

You may not:

• Submit false or misleading information in connection with our services
• Attempt to use notarial services to facilitate fraud or illegal activities
• Impersonate another person or misrepresent your identity
• Submit documents containing content that violates applicable laws
• Interfere with our ability to provide services to other clients
• Reproduce or misuse our notarial seals or certificates

Fee Structure: Our fees are based on the complexity of services required. Standard fees for notarization, Apostille coordination, and corporate authentication are published on our website and provided upon inquiry.

Payment Terms: Payment is due upon completion of services unless other arrangements have been made in advance. We accept payment in Hong Kong Dollars through cash, cheque, or bank transfer.

Additional Costs: Government fees, courier charges, or other third-party costs are not included in our service fees and will be billed separately.

Refund Policy: Fees paid for completed notarial acts are generally non-refundable. If authentication cannot proceed due to factors beyond your control and discovered after payment, we will discuss appropriate resolution on a case-by-case basis.

Processing Timeframes: We provide estimated timeframes for service completion based on typical processing times. Actual completion may vary depending on:

• Document complexity and preparation requirements
• Number of authentication steps required
• Processing times of government authorities
• Current workload and appointment availability

Document Collection: Completed documents must be collected within 30 days. Documents not collected within this period may be returned by mail at your expense or destroyed after reasonable additional notice.

Changes to Scope: If additional authentication steps are discovered to be necessary after services begin, we will inform you and obtain approval before proceeding with additional work.

All notarial certificates, seals, and records created in the course of providing services remain our property and are subject to professional record-keeping requirements. You receive the authenticated documents but not the underlying notarial records.

Our website content, including text, graphics, and design elements, is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without permission.

Service Scope: Our services are provided in accordance with Hong Kong notarial practice and professional standards. We make no representations about how authenticated documents will be treated by authorities in other jurisdictions, though we research destination requirements where possible.

Document Content: We do not verify the accuracy of statements contained in documents or provide legal advice about document content. You should seek independent legal counsel if needed.

Authentication Outcomes: While we follow proper procedures, we cannot provide absolute assurances that authenticated documents will be accepted by all receiving authorities, as acceptance decisions rest with those authorities.

Third-Party Actions: We are not responsible for processing delays or rejections by government authorities or other third parties involved in the authentication chain.

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• Our liability for any claim arising from services provided is limited to the amount of fees paid for the specific service giving rise to the claim
• We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or special damages, including lost profits or business opportunities
• We are not liable for delays or failures in performance caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including government processing delays or force majeure events

This limitation does not affect liability for fraud, willful misconduct, or matters that cannot be limited by law.

We maintain confidentiality of client information in accordance with professional obligations and our Privacy Policy. However, we may disclose information when:

• Required by law or court order
• Necessary for the authentication process (sharing with certification authorities)
• Required to protect our legal rights
• You have provided consent

By Client: You may terminate engagement at any time by providing written notice. You remain responsible for fees for work completed up to the termination date.

By Us: We may terminate services if:

• You fail to provide necessary information or cooperation
• Payment is not made as agreed
• Continuing service would violate professional obligations
• There is a conflict of interest or ethical concern

Effect of Termination: Upon termination, we will return original documents in our possession. You remain obligated to pay for services rendered up to termination.

Governing Law: These Terms are governed by the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Jurisdiction: Any disputes arising from these Terms or our services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Hong Kong.

Informal Resolution: Before initiating formal proceedings, we encourage clients to contact us to discuss concerns and attempt informal resolution.

Entire Agreement: These Terms, together with any engagement letter, constitute the entire agreement regarding services provided.

Severability: If any provision is found invalid, the remaining provisions continue in effect.

Waiver: Our failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of that provision.

Assignment: You may not assign your rights or obligations under these Terms without our written consent.

Notice: Notices should be sent to the contact information provided on our website.

We may update these Terms from time to time. Changes become effective when posted on our website with an updated "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

For significant changes affecting your rights or obligations, we will provide reasonable notice through our website or direct communication.

For questions about these Terms or our services, please contact us: