Legal translation is any form of translation that is used within the legal system. Many different types of legal documents can be translated. Some of the documents include patent and trademark fillings, contracts, witness and court transcripts, registration documents, depositions, expert reports, affidavits, legal disclaimers, legal certifications, confidentiality agreements and letters of credit. The list can go on for infinity and you must take note that other documents will become “legal” when they go into the criminal and civil justice systems.
When Does a Document Need to be Translated Legally?
Whenever an individual plans to use the said document for legal matters or when the courts plan on using it, it needs to be translated. It is always best that you have the translation done ahead of time, rather than waiting until the last minute to have it done. By getting it translated in advance, it will help reduce the stress.
Who Can Do the Legal Translation?
Take Spain as an example, the translation will need to be done by a sworn translator. In Spain, a sworn translator is required to take exams from time to time with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If the individual passes the exam, they will be given a stamp that they will use on the legal papers. In the United States, there are no official licenses or exams. Instead, you have voluntary certifications that come from the American translators Association and a couple of others. Some translators might have a pleasant legal background and may even have their law degree. When you are looking for a decent translator, it is good to do your research and look into the individual’s background.
How do we make the translation official? In order to make the translation official, you will need to have it certified or notarized within the same country. There are one-stop legal translation businesses that are capable of notarizing it along with translating it.
Different Types of Translations
Sworn Translation – The sworn translation is going to have the official stamp on it.
Certified Translation – With a certified translation, there will be another document along with it. The other document will be explaining the validity, but it is not going to be notarized.
When first translation agency came into existence?
For those individuals that are searching for a legal translation, there are many places on the Internet. Just make sure you do your research in order to find the best one.