Apostille Service Level Agreement (SLA)

1. Scope of Services

Ironclad Notary LLC ("Service Provider") agrees to assist the client ("Client") with obtaining apostilles and/or document authentications through the appropriate state, federal, or consular agencies.

Services may include:

• Document review for apostille eligibility (non-legal advice)
• Notarization (if required)
• Courier delivery to and from issuing agencies
• Submission and retrieval of documents
• Return shipping to Client

2. Turnaround Time Disclaimer

The Service Provider will make every reasonable effort to process and return documents as quickly as possible, especially in time-sensitive or family-related matters.

However, turnaround times are NOT guaranteed. Delays may occur due to factors outside of our control, including but not limited to:

• Government agency processing times and state/federal backlogs
• Mail carrier or courier delays (e.g., USPS, FedEx, UPS)
• Weather events, natural disasters, or government shutdowns
• Errors or rejections from issuing authorities

The Client acknowledges that estimated timelines are provided for guidance only and are not binding guarantees.

3. Shipping & Transit Risk

The Client understands and agrees that once documents are handed off to a third-party carrier (USPS, FedEx, UPS, etc.), the Service Provider has no control over the handling, timing, or condition of delivery.

The Service Provider is not liable for lost, stolen, delayed, or damaged documents while in transit. The Client assumes all risks associated with shipping. Shipping insurance is recommended and may be added upon request at the Client's expense.

4. Document Condition & Accuracy

The Client is responsible for ensuring that all documents are accurate and complete. The Service Provider is not responsible for:

• Rejections due to incorrect, incomplete, or improper documents provided by the Client.
• Delays caused by document errors or the legal validity of the documents.

5. Limitation of Liability & Physical Custody

To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Service Provider’s liability is strictly limited to the period in which the documents are in the Service Provider’s direct physical possession.

The Service Provider shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages. Total liability is capped at the amount paid for the service. The Service Provider is not responsible for losses resulting from delays, missed deadlines, or document rejection by any government or receiving entity.

6. Force Majeure

The Service Provider shall not be held liable for failure or delay in performance due to events beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, acts of terrorism, labor strikes, or public health emergencies.

7. Fees & Payment

All fees must be agreed upon prior to service. Government fees, shipping, and courier costs are separate unless otherwise stated.

8. High-Risk Document Waiver

The Client acknowledges that apostille services involve original, sensitive, or difficult-to-replace documents (e.g., birth/death certificates, passports, corporate records). The Client voluntarily assumes all risks associated with loss, damage, or mishandling of such documents by third-party agencies or carriers.

The Client understands that replacement of certain documents may be time-consuming, costly, or impossible.

Recommendation: The Client is strongly encouraged to request certified copies for submission where possible and purchase shipping insurance.

9. New Jersey Compliance & Legal Notice

10. Indemnification

The Client agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Service Provider from and against any and all claims, damages, or expenses (including attorney’s fees) arising out of or related to errors in the Client's documents or delays/losses caused by third parties (including government agencies and mail carriers).