Certified records retrieved from historical archives around the world
Over time, vital records can become difficult to access. They may be stored in separate civil and ecclesiastical archives, lost due to war or political upheaval, or subject to privacy restrictions and outdated cataloging systems. For international families, even knowing where to look can be a challenge.
Our work ensures that such documents are not only located, but also authenticated, translated if necessary, and formatted to meet the evidentiary standards of probate courts, civil authorities, or academic institutions.
Why archival retrieval matters
Over time, vital records can become difficult to access. They may be stored in separate civil and ecclesiastical archives, lost due to war or political upheaval, or subject to privacy restrictions and outdated cataloging systems. For international families, even knowing where to look can be a challenge.
Our work ensures that such documents are not only located, but also authenticated, translated if necessary, and formatted to meet the evidentiary standards of probate courts, civil authorities, or academic institutions.
What we offer
- Targeted Archive Search We determine the correct jurisdiction and repository—civil registry, parish archive, municipal office, or special collection—and initiate formal access requests. For older or pre-modern records, we often work directly with local priests, archivists, and state historians.
- Document Retrieval & Certification Whether you need a certified copy, an apostille, or a notarized translation, we ensure that every document retrieved can be legally recognized and used in official proceedings.
Multi-Language Transcription & Translation
We decipher and translate handwritten, archaic, or foreign-language documents (e.g., Gothic German, Latin, Hungarian, Czech, Romanian). Our translators are trained in both genealogy and legal terminology.Court-Ready Documents We prepare and deliver certified copies, legalized extracts, and notarized translations—documents recognized by courts, notaries, and immigration services both within Austria and internationally.
Types of documents we procure
Birth, marriage, and death certificates
From civil registries or church books, dating back to the 16th century in some cases.Baptismal and confirmation records
Especially useful for genealogical lineage and proof of identity.Migration and naturalization documents
Including ship manifests, residence permits, naturalization oaths, and emigration approvals.Citizenship and civil status proofs
For Austrian or German nationality law, often needed for re-naturalization or heritage-based citizenship claims.Military and conscription records
Service histories, draft documents, POW records, or military tribunal files.Property and inheritance documentation
Including land deeds, tax rolls, and historical cadastral records.Educational and professional records
School attendance books, diplomas, university matriculations, and apprenticeship certificates.Notarial deeds and contracts
Sales, marriage agreements, inheritance contracts, last wills, etc.
Why choose Historikerkanzlei for archival procurement
Pan-European Archive Access: From Vienna to Warsaw, from Budapest to Buenos Aires—we know where to find records and how to access them, even in countries with closed or fragmented archival systems.
Legal Reliability: Our team understands the evidentiary standards for courts, citizenship authorities, and international documentation offices. Every retrieval meets formal criteria.
Speed & Efficiency: Through established contacts and local researchers, we often bypass the long delays experienced by individual requesters.
Multilingual & Multiscript Expertise: We read what others can’t. Our in-house experts can decipher Latin, Kurrent, Sütterlin, Hungarian, Czech, Polish, Romanian, and more.
Custom Bundles: Need 20+ documents across 5 regions, all translated and notarized? We organize large-scale packages tailored to your legal or personal project.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I request a document even if I’m unsure where it’s located?
Yes. We begin with a case assessment and use your information (e.g., name, date, place) to identify the most likely archive. If necessary, we conduct preliminary research to pinpoint the source.How long does it take to receive a document?
This varies by jurisdiction. Some archives respond within 2–4 weeks; others may take several months. We inform you of the expected timeline during the consultation.Can you retrieve documents from outside Austria?
Absolutely. We regularly work with archives in Germany, Poland, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and the Americas.Are your documents accepted in legal proceedings?
Yes. We provide certified copies with apostilles or notarizations when required. Our documents have been accepted by courts, embassies, and citizenship authorities globally.Do you provide digital or physical copies?
Both. You can receive digital scans for immediate use and printed, certified copies for submission to authorities.What if the document no longer exists?
In rare cases where a record has been destroyed or never existed, we provide official statements from the archive and, if possible, substitute records (e.g., census lists, land registries, parish equivalents).
