Certified and apostled birth certificate needed?

[beatboy]

Anyone know if this is required as mandatory evidence for the spouse who is applying for the spouse visa? We've had advice from a visa handler here in Ecuador and she seems to reckon its necessary but Ive not seen it mentioned in any other people's recommended documents

Any help would be appreciated and might save me a bob or two!

[Lucapooka]

BC's, with regard to partner settlement applications, are not necessary or mandatory. The passports will generally shows the identity of the applicant and/or sponsor. BC's are only mandatory for applications where it's necessary to show a family relationship (blood ties in other words) between the applicant and sponsor.

Using a visa handler [sic] that is outside the scope of UK regulatory authorities is not a good idea.

[beatboy]

Thanks Luca - much appreciated. You are right about the visa handler and luckily it is a friend who has just helped us get started with the application process. The best info I've found is from people on here.