This Membership & Services Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into by and between CitizensByDescent (“CD,” “we,” or “our”), a Delaware corporation, and you (“Member,” “you,” or “your”) as of the date of execution (“Effective Date”). Collectively, CD and the Member are referred to as the “Parties.”
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1. SCOPE OF SERVICES
Overview
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CD provides professional assistance and guidance for individuals and families pursuing EU citizenship by descent. Our role is advisory and coordinative. Final decisions rest exclusively with the relevant government of the applicable EU member state.

Core Services
• Eligibility Assessment: Review of lineage and documentation for qualification, including identification of potential legal or administrative obstacles.
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• Document Strategy and Coordination: Planning and sourcing of required records; coordination of collection across jurisdictions.

• Legal Document Preparation: Drafting filings, petitions, and supporting documentation as required by the applicable EU authorities.Includes:
• Vital record procurement
• Professional translations
• Apostille/legalization services
• Engagement with local legal counsel or representatives
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• Professional Guidance: Access to citizenship specialists via scheduled consultations and written communications.

• Case Coordination: Coordination with local or foreign counsel for submission, filing, and registration under the relevant citizenship-by-descent framework.

Exclusions (Separate Fees Apply)
• Genealogical research beyond initial assessment
• Court orders, government filing fees, or certificate issuance costs
• Any services not expressly listed above

Limitations
• Timelines depend on government schedules beyond CD’s control

• Services are delivered remotely unless otherwise agreed in writing

2. SERVICE COMMENCEMENT
‍Services commence following the initial consultation and document review. Services are deemed substantially commenced when:

• A comprehensive case assessment has been completed; and

• A document collection strategy has been provided, and

• Work has begun on procurement or legal preparation.

Refund eligibility is based on whether substantial services have already been provided.

‍3. MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES
• Provide accurate, complete, and timely information and documents.

• Cooperate in following guidance and meeting deadlines.

• Acknowledge that CD’s role is limited to the scope described herein.

‍4. FEES AND EXPENSES
• Professional Fee (“PF”): Covers resource allocation and service initiation. Non-refundable except under the Money-Back Guarantee (MBG).

• Expenses: CD covers standard case expenses (records, apostilles, translations). Exceptional costs outside the normal scope require Member approval and payment.

• Genealogical Research: Optional; separately quoted and non-refundable except under MBG.

• Customized Quote (“CQ”): Sets out PF, scope, and payment schedule.

‍5. MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE (MBG)
Full Refund
100% refund of PF if:
• The Member’s citizenship application is officially denied by the relevant EU authority, and the Member chooses not to appeal.

Partial Refund
‍90% refund of PF if:
• Within 90 days of commencement, CD’s research conclusively determines ineligibility based on official documentation.

No Refund
• Member withdrawal (except for denial above)

• Provision of incomplete, inaccurate, or fraudulent information

• Government policy changes or delays not resulting in outright denial

Refunds are processed following confirmation of denial or ineligibility. Already-incurred expenses may be deducted from the refund amount.

‍6. CONFIDENTIALITY & DATA PROTECTION
‍• CD will maintain strict confidentiality of all Member information and use it solely for the case.

• We comply with all applicable data protection laws, including GDPR and CCPA, where relevant.

• Member records will be securely stored and may be deleted or returned upon written request.

‍7. TERMINATION
‍• Member may terminate this Agreement with 30 days’ written notice. CD retains all fees and expenses paid to date, subject to the MBG.

• CD may suspend or terminate services for non-payment, fraud, or material breach of obligations.

‍8. CASE CONTINUITY & BANKRUPTCY

Case Transfer Rights

‍If CD ceases operations or becomes unable to fulfill its services, the company will:

• Transfer active client files to a qualified successor firm at no additional cost, or

• Provide complete copies of all work products and documentation to facilitate continuation with alternative counsel.

CD will maintain client files to ensure transferability, even in insolvency proceedings.

‍Notice Requirements

‍In the event of anticipated business closure, bankruptcy filing, or material change in service capability, CD will provide at least 60 days’ advance written notice, unless legally prohibited.

‍9. FORCE MAJEURE

‍CD is not liable for delays or failures caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to: government or court delays, legislative changes, strikes, pandemics, natural disasters, cyberattacks, or force majeure events.

‍10. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

• Initial Resolution: Member must first notify CD in writing and allow 30 days for resolution.

• Arbitration: Unresolved disputes will be settled by a single arbitrator under the International Centre for Dispute Resolution (ICDR), seated in Delaware, USA. The award will be final and binding.

• Class actions are not permitted.

‍11. DISCLAIMERS & LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

• CD does not guarantee any specific outcome. All determinations are made by the relevant government or court authorities.

• Neither Party shall be liable for indirect, special, or consequential damages.

• CD’s total liability is limited to the total amount of fees paid under this Agreement.

‍12. GOVERNING LAW

‍This Agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, USA.

‍13. ENTIRE AGREEMENT & UPDATES
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‍This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Parties and supersedes all prior discussions or representations. CD may update these terms for operational or legal reasons, and continued use of services constitutes acceptance of updated terms.

‍By executing this Agreement, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms.