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Legal and certified document translation

Legal Translation Services for Official Documents

Accurate legal document translation for contracts, court papers, affidavits, powers of attorney, solicitor correspondence and official evidence, with certified translation options available when required.

Contracts Court papers Affidavits Solicitor documents
Certified options Prepared with a certification statement when your submission requires it.
Legal terminology care Contracts, court wording and legal references are handled with close attention.
Clear document review We confirm scope, price and delivery expectations before starting.
Secure file handling Personal, legal and business documents are treated as sensitive materials.

Service overview

Legal document translation for formal use

Legal translation is used when a document has legal meaning, records legal rights, supports a formal application, or needs to be understood by a court, solicitor, authority, employer, institution or overseas organisation.

We translate the full visible content of your document, including key details such as names, dates, numbers, references, stamps, seals, signatures, annotations and formatting. Where certification is required, the translation can be supplied with a statement confirming that it is a true and accurate translation of the original.

Requirements can vary depending on the organisation receiving the document. If you have been given specific wording, notarisation instructions, apostille requirements or sworn translation instructions, send those details with your file so the correct route can be checked before work begins.

Documents covered

Legal documents we can help translate

Send a clear copy of your document and we will review the content, language pair and certification needs before confirming the next step.

Court and litigation documents

Translations for legal proceedings, evidence bundles and documents connected to formal disputes.

  • Court orders and judgments
  • Witness statements
  • Affidavits and declarations
  • Legal notices and evidence

Contracts and agreements

Careful translation of documents where terminology, clauses, names and obligations need to remain consistent.

  • Commercial contracts
  • Employment agreements
  • Tenancy agreements
  • Terms and conditions

Solicitor and legal correspondence

Translation for correspondence and supporting papers used by solicitors, advisers, individuals and organisations.

  • Solicitor letters
  • Legal opinions
  • Case correspondence
  • Supporting statements

Personal legal documents

Certified translation support for personal documents connected to family, identity, immigration or legal matters.

  • Divorce documents
  • Marriage-related legal papers
  • Police certificates
  • Name change documents

Corporate legal documents

Translation for businesses needing company, compliance or official records translated for formal use.

  • Company documents
  • Board resolutions
  • Shareholder documents
  • Corporate correspondence

Notary and overseas-use documents

Guidance on the correct translation route when a document is being prepared for use outside the UK.

  • Power of attorney
  • Notarised translation requests
  • Apostille-related documents
  • Embassy or consular submissions

Accuracy and formatting

Legal meaning must stay consistent from start to finish

Legal translation is not just about fluent wording. A translated legal document needs to preserve the meaning, structure and key details of the original so the reader can compare both documents clearly.

We check the details that can create problems in legal paperwork: inconsistent names, mismatched dates, unclear stamps, missing pages, handwritten additions, clause numbering and terminology that must remain consistent across the document.

Quality checks include

  • Names, spellings and identity details
  • Dates, figures, references and case numbers
  • Stamps, seals, signatures and handwritten notes
  • Formatting that follows the original structure
  • Consistent terminology across repeated legal terms
  • Certification wording where required

Certification options

Which type of legal translation do you need?

The right option depends on who requested the translation and where the document will be used. If you are unsure, send the instructions you received and we will review them before quoting.

Option Common use What to check before ordering
Certified translation Often used for official UK submissions, legal evidence, immigration, education, employment and administrative paperwork. Confirm whether the receiving organisation requires specific certification wording or translator/company details.
Notarised translation Sometimes requested for overseas authorities, certain legal matters, embassy processes or documents requiring an added notarial step. Check whether the notary must see the original document, the translation, or both.
Apostille or legalisation support Used when documents are being prepared for use in another country and the receiving authority asks for legalisation. Confirm whether the original document, the translation, or the notarised translation needs the apostille.
Sworn translation route Some countries require a sworn translator recognised in that jurisdiction rather than a standard UK certified translation. Tell us the country and authority requesting the document so the requirement can be checked first.

FAQs

Questions customers often ask

What is legal translation?

Legal translation is the translation of documents with legal meaning or formal use, such as contracts, court papers, affidavits, powers of attorney, solicitor letters, judgments and legal evidence.

Do legal documents need certified translation?

Many legal documents need certified translation when they are submitted to an official organisation, solicitor, court, university, employer, embassy or government body. The exact requirement depends on the receiving organisation.

Can you translate contracts and agreements?

Yes. Contracts and agreements can be translated carefully with attention to terminology, defined terms, clause numbering, names, dates, figures and formatting. Longer or complex contracts are reviewed before quoting.

Can I send a scan or photo of my legal document?

Yes. Send a clear scan or photo showing the full page. Include every page, any reverse-side text, stamps, seals, signatures, handwritten notes and attachments that need to be translated.

Will the translation follow the original layout?

The translation is formatted clearly so it can be compared with the original. Stamps, seals, signatures and handwritten notes are represented in the translated document where relevant.

Do I need notarisation or an apostille?

Some organisations ask for notarisation, apostille or legalisation in addition to translation. Requirements vary depending on the destination country and receiving authority, so send any instructions before ordering.

What is the difference between certified and sworn translation?

A certified translation is commonly used for many UK official submissions. A sworn translation may be required by certain countries or authorities where the translator must be recognised under that jurisdiction’s system.

How long does legal translation take?

Turnaround depends on the language pair, length, formatting, complexity, certification route and deadline. Send the document first so the delivery expectation can be confirmed before work starts.

Ready to begin?

Send your legal document for review before ordering

Upload your document, explain where it will be used, and include any certification or notarisation instructions you have received. We will review the file and confirm the best next step.