An adoption dossier is a collection of documents that are required in order to complete an adoption. These documents can include things like birth certificates, financial records, and home study reports. An Apostille is a certificate issued by the Secretary of State. An Apostille authenticates the seal and signature of the official who signed the document.

Generally, an apostille is required in order to establish the authenticity of a document for use in another country. In the case of an adoption dossier, an apostille may be required in order to demonstrate that the adoption documents are legitimate and recognized by the country of origin. The apostille can be issued by the office of the Lieutenant Governor. The documents that can be apostilled are typically documents that are going to be used in a foreign country. Documents that are typically apostilled are:

Birth certificates

Marriage certificates

Divorce decrees

Adoption papers

Death certificates

Power of attorney documents

Diplomas

School records

Court records

Apostille vs Authentication vs Certification

An apostille highlights the fact that it is an international legal document. An authentication is the act of verifying a document, typically with a signature, stamp, or embossed seal. A certification is the act of issuing a document as genuine, usually with a signature and/or embossed seal. In the context of apostilles, the Certification/Authentication is completed within the Secretary of State’s office in the state where the apostille is being requested. An apostille is then issued after this process, highlighting that the document has been properly authenticated according to the Hague Convention.

In order to get an apostille for an adoption dossier, the parents must go through the process of getting the dossier notarized and apostilled. The parents must also have the dossier authenticated by the Hawaii state government. After the dossier is authenticated, the parents can then submit the dossier to the nearest apostille authority for an apostille.

Apostille Services of Hawaii offers fast, secure, and reliable apostille services. We have a team of professionals who can help notarize any type of documents quickly and accurately. We offer reasonable prices and a low risk of failure. When you work with us, you can be sure that your documents will be apostilled correctly the first time. We know the ins and outs of the process and will make sure that everything is done correctly. You can trust us to provide you with a hassle free experience and get your documents back to you quickly.