Membership and Services Agreement
Italian Citizenship by Descent

Membership & Services Agreement
This Membership & Services Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by and between Citizens By Descent ("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.

Limited Inclusion of Costs

Under the Base Plan, CD subsidizes only:

  1. Birth record retrieval for the principal applicant, and
  2. 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 and EXPENSES

Pricing Structure

Your investment is determined by (a) the generational distance to your qualifying Italian ancestor, and (b) your selection of either the Base Plan or the All-Inclusive Plan.

Generational Pricing Tiers – All-Inclusive Plan

  • Parent (1 Generation): $6,000 | 5–7 vital records
  • Grandparent (2 Generations): $7,500 | 7–10 vital records
  • Great-Grandparent (3 Generations): $8,500 | 9–12 vital records
  • Great-Great-Grandparent (4 Generations): $9,500 | 11–14 vital records

Base Plan

  • Flat Fee: $1,500 (Paid Upfront)

Most clients ultimately select the All-Inclusive Plan to avoid document coordination, third-party fees, and processing delays.

Services Included

Base Plan includes:

Ideal for clients who want expert guidance while covering third-party costs directly.

  • Eligibility analysis & case management
    Comprehensive review of your lineage and eligibility, with a clear strategy from intake through recognition.
  • U.S. vital records guidance & order form preparation
    We pre-fill all required order forms for birth, marriage, death, and naturalization records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with state-specific requirements.
  • Secure platform access
    Private portal for document uploads, progress tracking, and real-time case updates.
  • Professional consultations
    Scheduled sessions with citizenship specialists to review progress, answer questions, and resolve issues as they arise.
  • Italian legal counsel selection support
    Assistance identifying and engaging vetted Italian attorneys appropriate for your specific case.

Note: Under the Base Plan, government fees, document retrieval costs, apostilles, and translations are paid directly by the client.

Important Note on Legal Representation: The Base Plan does not include legal representation in Italy. Italian law requires that citizenship by descent cases be filed by a licensed attorney in Italy. Clients enrolled in the Base Plan are responsible for engaging and compensating Italian legal counsel separately.

All-Inclusive Plan includes:

Our most comprehensive, concierge-level service—designed for clients who prefer a fully managed experience with minimal personal involvement.

  • Everything included in the Base Plan, with complete assumption of all document-related tasks and costs.
  • White-glove document retrieval
    We personally handle the procurement of all required U.S. vital records and supporting documentation—no forms, follow-ups, or agency coordination required from you.
  • Apostille management
    End-to-end authentication of documents in accordance with the 1961 Hague Convention, coordinated and completed on your behalf.
  • Court-certified Italian translations
    Professionally translated and certified documents prepared to meet the strict standards of Italian courts and municipalities.
  • Italian government application fee (€600)
    All mandatory filing fees are included and paid by us.
  • Direct attorney coordination in Italy
    Seamless collaboration with vetted Italian legal counsel, managed entirely by our team to ensure accuracy, continuity, and momentum.
  • End-to-end citizenship recognition management
    Comprehensive oversight of your case from document collection through official recognition and post-recognition registration—handled discreetly and efficiently.

All-Inclusive Plan includes:

Designed for clients who want a fully hands-off, end-to-end experience with no surprise costs.

Family Add-Ons

  • Minor Children (under 18): $750 each
  • Adult Children (18+): 50% of your generational tier (both Base and All-Inclusive)
  • Spouses: $1,000 if added at initial filing; $1,500 if added later

Expenses Covered

Base Plan: Citizens By Descent subsidizes the retrieval cost of the principal applicant’s birth record only. All additional government fees, document retrieval costs, apostilles, translations, and third-party expenses are paid directly by the client as they arise.

All-Inclusive Plan: Citizens By Descent covers all necessary expenses required to complete your citizenship by descent case, including document retrieval, apostilles, certified translations, government filing fees, and coordination with Italian legal counsel—providing a fully managed, concierge-level experience with no out-of-pocket costs beyond your program fee.

Payment Terms

2025 Pricing Lock (Expires January 30, 2026): The pricing above reflects our 2025 rates. To honor these rates, you must confirm enrollment before 11:59 PM EST on January 30, 2026. Starting Februaruy 1st,2026, all pricing increases by 15%.

Payment Options:

  • Option 1: Four Equal Installments (0% Interest) - Pay over 90 days
  • Option 2: Pay in Full (10% Discount) - One payment at enrollment receives immediate 10% discount

Fees are due according to the payment schedule in your customized quote. By signing this Agreement, the Member authorizes CD to process payments according to the schedule agreed. Outstanding payments may result in suspension of services.

Money-Back Guarantee Eligibility: The money-back guarantee applies exclusively to clients who select Option 2: Pay in Full at enrollment. Installment payment plans are not eligible for the money-back guarantee.

Service Commencement

Services begin after initial consultation and document review. Services are substantially commenced when: (1) case assessment is completed, AND (2) document collection strategy is provided, AND (3) work has begun on procurement or legal preparation. Once substantially commenced, fees are earned as described.

5. MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE

CD offers a limited Money-Back Guarantee:

  • The Money-Back Guarantee applies exclusively to Members who select Pay in Full option at the time of enrollment. Milestone plan is not eligible for this 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 not retain any physical or digital documents. All remaining data in our systems will be destroyed in accordance with applicable data protection requirements.

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.