Court-certified copy
Requesting a copy of the judgment or order and having court staff certify it as a true copy.
Authority: The court holding the case file.
The standard chain is: obtain a court-certified copy of the judgment, prepare a translation with the translator’s certificate, then add the destination layer. Hague Convention states accept an apostille; non-member states usually require MFA consular legalisation followed by attestation at their embassy. These layers certify signatures and seals — they do not by themselves make the judgment enforceable abroad.
Requesting a copy of the judgment or order and having court staff certify it as a true copy.
Authority: The court holding the case file.
The Hague Convention certificate, used between member states without an extra embassy step.
Authority: The Department of Consular Affairs as Thailand’s competent authority.
The route for non-member states: MFA legalisation first, then attestation at the destination embassy in Thailand.
Authority: The MFA and the destination embassy.
| Criterion | Court-certified copy | Apostille | Consular legalisation plus embassy attestation |
|---|---|---|---|
| What is certified | That the copy matches the original on the case file | The signature and seal on the underlying document | Signatures and seals along the chain, not the judgment’s substance |
| Which destinations | Always — the starting point for every route | Hague Convention states that accept the format | Non-member states, or states that still require re-attestation |
| Translation | Not yet required, but plan for it | Destinations commonly require a translation into their official language | Translation usually precedes legalisation, as the destination directs |
| Effect on enforcement abroad | No enforcement effect; it is documentary evidence | Does not create enforceability; the destination applies its own law | Likewise — recognition and enforcement rest with the destination court |
| Recommended sequence | Always first | After the certified copy and any required translation | After MFA legalisation, then book the destination embassy |
| Check before starting | Whether the case is final and whether a finality certificate is also needed | The destination’s Convention status and accepted translation format | The destination embassy’s published sequence and document-age limits |
Checked on 2026-08-03; confirm with the authority before filing.
The exact steps depend on the receiving authority in each case. Contact our team to confirm the checklist and timing.