How do I use the International Will (Washington Convention) for an estate matter in United States?

Prepare International Will (Washington Convention) → translate to English → MFA → Apostille → file with Surrogate's / Probate Court (state). Thai-side: 10-21 working days; overseas probate: 60-180 days.

International Will (Washington Convention) for United States 🇺🇸 — Surrogate's / Probate Court (state)

ประเด็นสำคัญที่ต้องรู้

Original document to be certified (or freshly issued certified copy within validity window)

1. Send scanned copies of source documents to us via LINE/email for free initial review.

Standard turnaround: 5-7 business days from receipt of complete originals.

Originals out of validity window — many destinations require documents issued within 3-6 months. Confirm with the destination authority first.

คำถามที่พบบ่อย

How long does it take?

Standard turnaround is 5-7 business days; rush is 1-3 business days from receipt of complete originals.

What is included in the fee?

Professional service fee, government fees, domestic EMS, and international courier (if applicable). Everything is itemized in the quote.

Do I have to visit the office?

No — send by EMS, or we can arrange a Bangkok pickup. Final documents can be couriered worldwide.

Will the result be accepted abroad?

Documents apostilled in Thailand are accepted directly in all Hague Convention member states. Non-member states need a further embassy legalization step.

International Document Services

Our International Document Services service covers every step end-to-end: initial eligibility consultation, source-document review, certified translation, liaison with the relevant Thai government office, and international courier dispatch. The handling team includes attorneys registered as Notarial Services Attorneys with the Lawyers Council of Thailand, translators recognized by the Ministry of Justice, and consular liaison officers with 10+ years of experience. Every document carries a different downstream use case — employment, study, immigration, marriage, or commercial filing — and each receiving authority has its own acceptance rules. We plan the shortest and most cost-effective document routing for your case before any fees are charged, and we issue a written timeline so you can schedule your travel or filing with confidence. Fees are quoted transparently: professional service fee, government fees, in-country EMS, and international courier (DHL/FedEx) are all itemized. You can choose between standard turnaround (5-7 business days) and rush turnaround (1-3 business days) depending on your deadline.

Service Overview

Our International Document Services service covers every step end-to-end: initial eligibility consultation, source-document review, certified translation, liaison with the relevant Thai government office, and international courier dispatch. The handling team includes attorneys registered as Notarial Services Attorneys with the Lawyers Council of Thailand, translators recognized by the Ministry of Justice, and consular liaison officers with 10+ years of experience.
Every document carries a different downstream use case — employment, study, immigration, marriage, or commercial filing — and each receiving authority has its own acceptance rules. We plan the shortest and most cost-effective document routing for your case before any fees are charged, and we issue a written timeline so you can schedule your travel or filing with confidence.
Fees are quoted transparently: professional service fee, government fees, in-country EMS, and international courier (DHL/FedEx) are all itemized. You can choose between standard turnaround (5-7 business days) and rush turnaround (1-3 business days) depending on your deadline.

Documents Required

Original document to be certified (or freshly issued certified copy within validity window)
Copy of national ID or passport, signed and dated as a true copy
Power of attorney (if a representative will handle it) with a 30 THB revenue stamp
Destination details: country, receiving authority, purpose, and required deadline

Step-by-Step Process

1. Send scanned copies of source documents to us via LINE/email for free initial review.
2. Our team confirms eligibility, issues a written quote and a guaranteed turnaround.
3. You deliver originals to our office (or book a Bangkok pickup) and pay a 50% deposit.
4. We translate, certify, and submit to the relevant Thai authority in sequence.
5. Final documents are scanned and emailed for your review before physical dispatch.
6. We ship by EMS domestically and DHL/FedEx internationally, with tracking numbers.

Timeline & Fees

Standard turnaround: 5-7 business days from receipt of complete originals.
Rush turnaround: 1-3 business days (rush surcharge applies).
Government fees are charged at official rates with no markup.
Domestic EMS at Thailand Post rates; international DHL/FedEx at actual weight-based rates.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

Originals out of validity window — many destinations require documents issued within 3-6 months. Confirm with the destination authority first.
Name mismatch between document and passport — embassies reject these. Correct it at the district office before translating.
Using a translator without an official seal — MFA and embassies will not accept it; you'll restart the chain.
Skipping MFA legalization before the embassy step — wastes multiple trips and weeks of time.

FAQ

How long does it take?: Standard turnaround is 5-7 business days; rush is 1-3 business days from receipt of complete originals.
What is included in the fee?: Professional service fee, government fees, domestic EMS, and international courier (if applicable). Everything is itemized in the quote.
Do I have to visit the office?: No — send by EMS, or we can arrange a Bangkok pickup. Final documents can be couriered worldwide.
Will the result be accepted abroad?: Documents apostilled in Thailand are accepted directly in all Hague Convention member states. Non-member states need a further embassy legalization step.

How it works — International Will (Washington Convention) → United States 🇺🇸

Destination checklist

Compare Surrogate's / Probate Court (state) requirements with the asset/heir map.

Prepare International Will (Washington Convention)

Filed at Authorised Person (lawyer) (5-14 working days).

English translation

Registrar-listed translator with estate/tax glossary.

MFA legalisation

Chaeng Wattana — 2-3 working days.

Apostille

MFA Apostille route.

File with Surrogate's / Probate Court (state)

DHL the original or submit at the destination embassy in Bangkok.

Frequently asked questions

Does United States accept Thai Apostille?

Yes — MFA Apostille suffices.

Forced heirship?

None — testamentary freedom applies.

Destination estate tax?

Federal Estate Tax 40% (>$13.61M)

Probate route?

Petition → Grant of Probate → Inventory → Distribution

Translation language?

English, by a translator accepted by the destination authority or the Thai MFA.

Estimated total cost?

15,000-40,000 บาท + translation THB 1,000-2,000/page + MFA THB 400 + free Apostille + destination court fees.

Timeline?

10-21 working days for document preparation + 60-180 days for overseas probate.