This
Membership & Services Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by and between
CitizensByDescent ("CD," "we," "our"), a Delaware corporation, and you
("Member," "you," "your") as of the date of execution ("Effective Date"). CD and the Member are the "Parties." (
Citizens by Descent)
1. SCOPE OF SERVICES
Overview
CD provides professional assistance and guidance for individuals and families pursuing Italian citizenship by descent through judicial proceedings. Our role is advisory and coordinative. Final decisions rest exclusively with Italian authorities. (Citizens by Descent)
Core Services Included (Base Plan)
Unless the Member elects the All-Inclusive Plan, the following services are included in the Base Plan:
- Eligibility Assessment: review of lineage and documentation for qualification, including identification of legal obstacles.
- Document Strategy and Coordination: plan for required records and documentation; coordination of collection.
- Legal Document Preparation: drafting filings, petitions, and required supporting documentation.
- Platform Access: secure portal for document storage, progress tracking, and communication.
- Professional Guidance: scheduled consults and communications with citizenship specialists.
- Coordination with Italian counsel where needed.
Residency Path Services
- Vital Records Retrieval: We acquire necessary Italian records, adhering to official citizenship guidelines.
- Documentation Review: A qualified Italian Clerk at the local comune conducts an initial compliance check on your application.
- Discrepancy Resolution: Our team addresses any issues the Clerk identifies, ensuring a smoother path to acceptance.
- Accommodation Support: The member will enjoy a fully furnished 2-bedroom apartment in the comune of their choice, subject to availability, for up to 21 days.
- On-the-Ground Assistance: Receive in-person support in Italy for finalizing documents and establishing residency.
- Citizenship Notification: We promptly inform you once you have successfully obtained Italian citizenship.
Limited Inclusion of Costs
Under the Base Plan, CD subsidizes only:
- Birth record retrieval for the principal applicant, and
- Government application filing fee paid directly at the time of filing.
All other costs — including but not limited to translations, apostilles, additional document retrieval, court filings, and third-party professional expenses — are the Member's responsibility unless the All-Inclusive Plan is selected.
All-Inclusive Plan (Optional Upgrade)
For an additional fee, the All-Inclusive Plan covers all document retrieval, translations, apostilles, court filings, and third-party professional services necessary to complete the case.
2. SERVICE COMMENCEMENT
Services begin after the initial consultation and document review. Services are considered substantially commenced when:
- Comprehensive case assessment is completed; AND
- Document collection strategy is provided; AND
- Work has begun on procurement or legal preparation.
Once services have substantially commenced, fees are earned as described below. (Citizens by Descent)
3. MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES
The Member must:
- Provide accurate, complete, and timely information and documents.
- Cooperate in supplying all records and following CD guidance.
- Understand that CD's services are limited to the scope described in this Agreement.
4. FEES, PLANS & EXPENSES
Pricing Structure
Base Plan
- Principal applicant: $7,000
- Includes: eligibility analysis, case management, birth record retrieval (principal), government application fee.
All-Inclusive Plan (optional)
- Principal applicant: $9,000
- Includes all services and expenses necessary for the application.
Family Add-Ons (consistent and transparent):
- Minor children: $500 each
- Adult children: $3,500 each (50% of Base Plan); $4,500 for All-Inclusive
- Spouse: $1,500 if added at initial filing; $500 if added later
Expenses Covered
Under the Base Plan, CD covers only birth record retrieval (principal) and the government filing fee (€600.00). All other costs are the Member's responsibility unless the Member has purchased the All-Inclusive Plan.
Payment Terms
Fees are due according to the payment schedule in the customized quote provided at the time of enrollment. By signing this Agreement, the Member authorizes CD to process payments according to the schedule agreed. Any outstanding payments may result in suspension of services.
5. MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE
CD offers a limited Money-Back Guarantee:
- If Italian authorities officially deny the application and Member chooses not to appeal, a 100% refund of fees paid will be issued.
- If CD conclusively determines ineligibility within 90 days of substantial service commencement, a 90% refund of fees paid will be issued.
- No refunds will be offered if the Member withdraws, provides inaccurate information, or if delays occur outside CD's control.
- Refunds are processed after confirmation of denial or ineligibility and may be adjusted for costs already paid to third parties.
6. CONFIDENTIALITY & DATA PROTECTION
CD will maintain the confidentiality of Member information and use it only for case purposes. CD complies with applicable data protection laws to safeguard personal data.
7. TERMINATION
Either Party may terminate this Agreement with written notice. CD retains all fees and expenses paid to date, subject to the Money-Back Guarantee provisions. Upon termination, CD will provide the Member with copies of all work products prepared to date.
8. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
CD does not guarantee outcomes. Italian authorities make all final determinations. CD's liability for any claim under this Agreement is limited to the total fees paid by the Member.
9. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, USA.
10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT & UPDATES
This Agreement constitutes the full understanding between the Parties. CD may update terms for operational or legal reasons; continued use of services after updates constitutes acceptance.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
By executing this Agreement, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms.