China’s mainland’s formal accession to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents marks a significant change in international legal processes. The previously complex triple certification will be simplified into a single Apostille process. This change will have far-reaching effects on many areas, including the provision of international surrogacy services.
From 3-Step Certification to Apostille
Before mainland China’s accession to the Convention, the legalization of foreign public documents included three steps: local notarization, Secretary of State Apostille, and Chinese consular authentication. This cumbersome process often resulted in delays and additional costs.
With the accession to the Hague Apostille Convention, this process will be greatly simplified. The Convention allows public documents to be legalized through a single Apostille procedure, thus reducing both time and cost.
Impact on International Surrogacy Clients
1.
More Convenient Process
The reduction in certification steps will make it easier for international surrogacy clients to obtain necessary documents, including legal agreements related to surrogacy, medical records, etc. The single Apostille process will make legalization faster and more direct.
2.
Lower Costs
The simplified certification process will reduce the fees associated with document certification, thereby lowering the overall costs of international surrogacy. This may enable more potential surrogacy clients to seek such services.
Conclusion
China’s mainland’s joining the Hague Apostille Convention and moving from triple certification to the Apostille process is a positive development in the field of international surrogacy. This change will simplify the document legalization process and reduce the time and monetary investment for surrogacy clients.
Overall, this significant shift may open up new opportunities, providing more convenient and affordable options for international surrogacy clients, and bring broader prospects for the global surrogacy service market.