Escrow Services Agreement

This Agreement is between:

• Escrow Agent: EXPAT LEGAL OÜ, registered in Estonia (Reg. No. 16487291) (the "Platform").
• Buyer: The individual making payment for professional services (the "Client").
• Seller: The verified professional providing services (the "Specialist").

1.1 EXPAT LEGAL acts as an independent escrow agent facilitating secure payment between Client and Specialist. EXPAT LEGAL is not a party to the underlying service agreement between Client and Specialist.

1.2 EXPAT LEGAL does not provide legal, accounting or notarial services. All professional services are provided exclusively by the Specialist.

1.3 By initiating payment through the Platform, both Client and Specialist agree to the terms of this Agreement.

2.1 The Client pays the agreed service fee through EXPAT LEGAL's payment interface (powered by Mercuryo).

2.2 Funds are received in Bitcoin (BTC) and held in EXPAT LEGAL's designated escrow wallet.

2.3 Funds are held in escrow until one of the release conditions in Section 3 is met.

2.4 EXPAT LEGAL does not earn interest on escrowed funds. Platform fees (if applicable) are disclosed prior to payment.

3.1 Release to Specialist. Funds are released to the Specialist when:

• the Client confirms the service was received and satisfactory; or
• 72 hours elapse after the scheduled consultation without the Client raising a dispute.

3.2 Release to Client (Refund). Funds are returned to the Client when:

• the Specialist fails to make contact within 24 hours of payment;
• the service was demonstrably not provided and the Client raises a dispute within 72 hours;
• both parties mutually agree to cancellation; or
• EXPAT LEGAL determines, in its sole discretion, that the service was not rendered.

3.3 Disputed Release. If the Client and Specialist disagree, EXPAT LEGAL reviews the available evidence and makes a final, binding determination within 5 business days.

4.1 Approved refunds are processed within 3 business days.

4.2 Where a refund is due, the full amount is returned to the Client's card or bank account through support — typically within 3 business days of the request.

4.3 EXPAT LEGAL is not responsible for delays caused by payment processors or blockchain network congestion.

5.1 Disputes must be raised via our contact form or support@expatlegal.com within 72 hours of the scheduled consultation.

5.2 The Client must provide: a description of the issue, the date and time of the scheduled consultation, the specialist's name, and any supporting evidence.

5.3 EXPAT LEGAL's decision is final for amounts under $500. For amounts of $500 or more, either party may escalate to Estonian arbitration.

5.4 EXPAT LEGAL will not adjudicate disputes about the quality of legal advice — only whether the service was provided or not.

6.1 EXPAT LEGAL's total liability under this Agreement shall not exceed the escrowed amount for the specific transaction in dispute.

6.2 EXPAT LEGAL is not liable for: the outcomes of legal cases, specialist errors, the tax implications of transactions, or losses arising from incorrect information provided by the Client.

6.3 EXPAT LEGAL is not a law firm and provides no legal advice through this Agreement.

7.1 By accepting a booking, the Specialist agrees to: provide the booked service, maintain accurate contact information, hold the active licences required, and maintain professional indemnity insurance.

7.2 The Specialist may not request payment outside the Platform for services booked through the Platform.

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the Republic of Estonia. Disputes not resolved through the Section 5 process shall be submitted to the jurisdiction of the Estonian courts.

EXPAT LEGAL reserves the right to amend these terms with 14 days' notice posted on the Platform. Continued use constitutes acceptance.