Terms of Service

Last Updated: January 2025

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Please read these Terms of Service carefully before using our services. By engaging TLG Apostille Services, you agree to be bound by these terms. These terms include important limitations of liability and dispute resolution provisions.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing this website, submitting documents, or engaging our services, you ("Client") agree to these Terms of Service and acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by all terms and conditions herein. If you do not agree to these terms, you must not use our services.

2. Nature of Services - Document Expediting Only

CRITICAL DISCLAIMER:

TLG Apostille Services is a DOCUMENT EXPEDITING SERVICE ONLY. We do not issue apostilles, authenticate documents, or have any governmental authority. Only designated governmental authorities (Secretary of State offices and the U.S. Department of State) have the legal authority to issue apostille certificates.

Our role is strictly limited to:

  • Acting as your authorized representative to submit documents to government offices
  • Providing guidance on document requirements and procedures
  • Coordinating the submission and retrieval of documents
  • Facilitating communication with government authorities
  • Arranging shipping and delivery of documents

We make NO guarantees regarding government approval, processing times, or acceptance of documents. All final decisions regarding apostille issuance rest solely with the relevant governmental authority.

3. No Legal, Immigration, or Professional Advice

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

TLG Apostille Services does NOT provide legal advice, immigration advice, tax advice, or any form of professional consultation requiring licensure. We are not attorneys, immigration consultants, accountants, or licensed professionals in any regulated field.

Any information provided by TLG Apostille Services is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or professional advice. You should consult with:

  • A licensed attorney for legal matters and questions
  • A licensed immigration consultant or attorney for immigration matters
  • The destination country's consulate or embassy for specific document requirements
  • The receiving institution or organization for their specific requirements

4. Document Authenticity and Client Responsibility

Client warrants and represents that:

  • All documents submitted are genuine, authentic, and legally issued by the stated authority
  • Client has the legal right and authority to submit these documents for apostille
  • Documents contain no false, fraudulent, or misleading information
  • Client will not use apostilled documents for any illegal or fraudulent purpose

TLG Apostille Services has NO responsibility to verify document authenticity. We rely entirely on the representations made by the Client. If documents are determined to be fraudulent, forged, or improperly obtained by any governmental authority, TLG Apostille Services bears NO liability whatsoever.

5. Processing Times and Government Delays

TIME DISCLAIMER:

All processing time estimates are APPROXIMATE and based on typical government processing speeds. TLG Apostille Services has NO CONTROL over government processing times, delays, backlogs, holidays, strikes, or staffing issues at government offices.

Processing times may be affected by:

  • Government office backlogs and workload
  • State or federal holidays
  • Government shutdowns or reduced operations
  • Document verification requirements
  • Shipping and postal service delays
  • Weather, natural disasters, or force majeure events
  • Changes in government procedures or requirements

Client acknowledges that: Estimated timeframes are not guaranteed. We will make commercially reasonable efforts to expedite processing but cannot guarantee specific completion dates. Delays beyond our control do not entitle Client to refunds unless explicitly stated otherwise.

6. Document Rejection and Re-submission

Government authorities may reject documents for various reasons including but not limited to:

  • Incorrect document format or certification
  • Missing required signatures or seals
  • Expired notarization or certification
  • Issuing authority not recognized
  • Document alterations or corrections
  • Incomplete information

If documents are rejected: We will notify you promptly and explain the reason for rejection as provided by the government office. We will advise you on corrective measures when possible. Additional fees may apply for re-submission, document corrections, or obtaining proper certification. Rejection by governmental authorities does not entitle Client to a refund of services rendered.

7. Limitation of Liability

LIABILITY CAP:

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, TLG APOSTILLE SERVICES' TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIMS ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO OUR SERVICES SHALL NOT EXCEED THE TOTAL FEES PAID BY CLIENT FOR THE SPECIFIC SERVICES GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM.

IN NO EVENT SHALL TLG APOSTILLE SERVICES BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Lost profits, business opportunities, or revenue
  • Loss of use, data, or goodwill
  • Costs of obtaining substitute services
  • Missed deadlines, visa denials, or application rejections
  • Travel expenses, relocation costs, or lost employment opportunities
  • Educational enrollment issues or lost tuition
  • Immigration consequences or deportation
  • Emotional distress or mental anguish

This limitation applies regardless of the legal theory (contract, tort, negligence, strict liability, or otherwise) and even if TLG Apostille Services has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

8. Indemnification

Client agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless TLG Apostille Services, its owners, employees, agents, and contractors from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, expenses, or fees (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from or relating to:

  • Client's breach of these Terms of Service
  • Client's violation of any law or regulation
  • Client's submission of fraudulent, forged, or improper documents
  • Client's unauthorized use of apostilled documents
  • Claims by third parties related to documents submitted by Client
  • Client's misrepresentation of facts or document authenticity

9. Lost, Damaged, or Delayed Documents

While we handle all documents with utmost care, TLG Apostille Services is NOT responsible for documents lost, damaged, stolen, or delayed while:

  • In transit via postal services or courier companies
  • In the custody of government offices or authorities
  • Subject to mail theft, postal service errors, or delivery failures
  • Damaged by government processing (staples, stamps, folding, etc.)

Client assumes all risk of loss or damage during shipping. We strongly recommend using insured, trackable shipping methods. Insurance options are available at Client's expense. TLG Apostille Services' liability for lost or damaged documents is limited to the declared value of insurance purchased, not to exceed the cost of obtaining replacement certified copies.

10. No Guarantee of Acceptance

ACCEPTANCE DISCLAIMER:

TLG Apostille Services makes NO GUARANTEE OR WARRANTY that apostilled documents will be accepted by any foreign government, institution, organization, embassy, consulate, university, employer, or other entity. Acceptance requirements vary by country, institution, and purpose, and are subject to change without notice.

Client is solely responsible for confirming specific requirements with the receiving party. Some countries or institutions may require:

  • Additional authentication beyond apostille
  • Certified translations
  • Embassy legalization instead of apostille
  • Original documents versus certified copies
  • Specific document formats or recent issuance dates

11. Refund Policy

Refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis. Generally:

  • Full Refund: If we have not yet submitted your documents to government authorities and you cancel before processing begins
  • Partial Refund: May be available if we determine documents cannot be apostilled due to issues we should have identified during initial review
  • No Refund: Once documents are submitted to government authorities, for services rendered, government fees paid, or if rejection is due to document issues beyond our control

Government fees, shipping costs, and third-party expenses are generally non-refundable. Refund requests must be submitted in writing within 30 days.

12. Privacy and Confidentiality

We maintain strict confidentiality of your documents and personal information. However, please note:

  • Documents will be shared with government authorities as necessary for apostille processing
  • We may be required to disclose information pursuant to legal process, court orders, or government requests
  • Despite best efforts, no electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure

Please review our Privacy Policy for complete details on data handling practices.

13. Force Majeure

TLG Apostille Services shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to: acts of God, natural disasters, war, terrorism, civil unrest, government actions, epidemics, pandemics, strikes, labor disputes, supply chain disruptions, utility failures, internet outages, cyber attacks, or any other force majeure event.

14. Dispute Resolution and Arbitration

ARBITRATION AGREEMENT:

Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms or our services shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration shall take place in Guilford County, North Carolina. YOU AGREE TO WAIVE YOUR RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL AND TO PARTICIPATE IN CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS.

Before filing any arbitration, the parties agree to attempt informal resolution by contacting us in writing and allowing 30 days to resolve the dispute.

15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any legal action related to these Terms or our services must be brought in the state or federal courts located in Guilford County, North Carolina, and you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts.

16. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable.

17. Entire Agreement and Amendments

These Terms of Service, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and TLG Apostille Services regarding our services. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

18. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:

TLG Apostille Services

1633 New Garden Rd, PMB #1213

Greensboro, NC 27410

Phone: 208-432-7508

Email: [email protected]

BY USING OUR SERVICES, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT:

  • You have read and understood these Terms of Service
  • You agree to be legally bound by these terms
  • You understand we are a document expediting service, not a government agency
  • You understand we provide no legal or professional advice
  • You accept the limitations of liability and dispute resolution provisions
  • You acknowledge that government processing is beyond our control