Reviewed by Carlos Vargas, Texas Licensed Funeral Director (TFSC #119648) ·
Arrive at the first conversation prepared
After a death in Texas, a family often has matters to settle in the country of origin: recording the death with a civil registry there, a house or land in the person’s name, a bank account, a pension or a burial plot. Those matters are governed by that country’s law, and a lawyer or notary there is usually the person to ask. The first conversation goes better, and costs less, when you arrive with your questions and documents in order.
This builder produces a one-page list of questions and a summary of the Texas documents you have. It gives no legal advice, reaches no conclusion about anyone’s rights and does not recommend, rate or refer lawyers. Vargas-London is a funeral home, and nothing here is a legal service.
Prepare your list
Use general words. Do not type names, addresses, account numbers or identity numbers.
The controls require JavaScript. You can copy the headings on this page and write the note by hand.
What a lawyer abroad will usually ask you for from Texas
Almost every matter abroad starts with proof of the death. Texas DSHS explains who may request certified vital records: an immediate family member, defined as a child, parent or guardian, brother or sister, grandparent or spouse, or a legal agent or representative. All other applicants must provide legal documentation of a direct, tangible interest in the certificate, and DSHS gives a court order or an insurance policy naming the applicant as examples. A lawyer abroad normally cannot order the Texas certificate for you, so ask how many certified copies the lawyer needs before you order.
The Texas Secretary of State’s authentication FAQ explains that its universal Apostille is attached to Texas public records, including death certificates, and works as an apostille for Apostille Convention countries and as an authentication for other countries. Ask the lawyer whether the certificate must carry that certificate, and whether it must be translated, before sending anything.
What an apostille does and does not prove
Under the Apostille Convention, the certificate attached to a public document certifies the authenticity of the signature, the capacity in which the person signing acted and, where appropriate, the identity of the seal or stamp. It does not decide any question under the other country’s law. Whether an apostilled Texas death certificate is enough to open an estate, transfer a title or update a registry is for the lawyer and the authorities there to say.
That is why the list below asks the lawyer what is needed instead of telling you. Our copies and authentication organizer helps you count the copies once you know.
What the finished list contains
Select Build text when you have filled in what you can. Blank answers become a line to complete by hand.
| Part | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Heading and statement | Says that the list is not legal advice and that no lawyer was recommended |
| Your situation | The country and, in general words, what the family needs help with |
| Texas documents | Whether you already hold the certified certificate, an apostille and a translation |
| Questions to ask | Ten neutral questions about licence, documents, signatures, fees and communication, plus your own |
To check a lawyer’s licence, ask the lawyer which bar, college or registry holds it and confirm with that body directly. The consulate of that country may also publish information about legal professionals; it does not vouch for them.
Keep private details out of the page
Any edit clears the previous text, so build it again after a change. The builder script does not transmit your answers or write them to browser storage; other services on this site follow their own privacy terms. Describe the matter in general words such as “a house in my father’s name.” Leave out names, addresses, account numbers and identity numbers, and give those only to the lawyer you choose.
Questions about preparing to speak with a lawyer abroad
- Does this page tell us who inherits or what we must file?
- No. Those answers depend on the other country’s law and on facts only a lawyer there can weigh. The page helps you ask.
- Can Vargas-London recommend a lawyer in our country?
- No. We do not recommend or refer lawyers. Ask the lawyer’s licensing body to confirm the licence, and compare more than one.
- Can a lawyer abroad order the Texas death certificate for us?
- DSHS releases certified copies to immediate family members, legal agents or representatives, and others who document a direct, tangible interest. Ask the lawyer how many copies to order and order them yourself if you qualify.
