7-Step Guide to Legal Translations

Legal Translation is a translation of legal documents. Legal Documents can be anything that goes into the formation of a juridical act or is related to one. Legal translations are essential for international trade and should always be done by an authorized translator. In fact, legal audio transcription and legal video transcription services should always be done by a professional who is qualified to do so. However, there are steps to be taken before the translation process can begin. Below is a guide to legal translations 

Step 1: Notarization of Documents

This is done when the legal translation company receives the documents to be translated. After that, clients should check with their country’s consulate or embassy to find out whether it is required or not. The purpose of a notarization is to keep the document safe, and for this reason, it is usually only required when legal issues are surrounding the document. If it is not necessary for the client’s country, then they can move on to step.

Step 2: Documents Attestation by Ministry of Foreign Affairs

This is the approval to translate your documents and show you that they are in line with international standards for legal translations and documents. Documents that have this step completed are the only types of documents accepted by foreign authorities. Without the attestation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, your documents will not be accepted, and your company will be at risk of legal action.

Step 3: To Construe to the Guidelines of the recipient Authority

 After the documents have been notarized and approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they will be translated into a standard format for that country or international organization. This step is necessary because each country has its own specifications for its official documents.

Step 4: Translating & Interpreting your Documents

This step is where you take care of all communication with your translator.  It is when  you must tell the translator where you intend to submit the translation and for what purpose. It will help the translator provide the most appropriate translation for your documents, and at the same time, it will make sure that the document will meet proper legal standards. It is also important to let them know how you want the document to be translated. This is an important step for both the translator and you to make sure that your documents are correctly presented.

Step 5: ProofReading of the Translation

Proofing the translation is when you review the translated document to make sure that it is accurate and error-free through a process called “post-editing.” This procedure is performed to ensure that the documents are presented in legal terms and terminology and avoid any misinterpretation of legal wording. In case you don’t know the language, you might refer to a native speaker.

Step 6: Oath Of a Translator

This step is making sure that the translator you have chosen can provide an authentic and accurate translation. To do this, they must use a government-certified translator who has been approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed their name to an affidavit stating that the information provided by the translator is authentic and accurate and will not cause any harm to any individual or jurisdiction. 

The signature must carry the following information: full name, address, phone numbers (office and mobile), Name of their Legal Translation Service, and their License number issued by the Ministry of Justice. Without this step, it may be possible for a fraudulent document to appear in legal proceedings.

Step 7: Legalization from the Ministry of Justice

To make sure your documents are fully legalized and completely valid, they must be sent to the Ministry of Justice for legalization. They will then check your documents and compare them to your translated document to ensure no conflict between the two. Then, they will seal them with their official certifications, making them completely legit and ready for submission to foreign authorities.

Legal translation is a complicated process that requires a lot of steps and procedures to ensure that the document is valid and submitted correctly. Some of these steps are not necessary for every country, but all of them will help you make sure your documents are presented clearly and credibly. If you want to get the most out of your legal document translation, then you must use professionals who have been approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Consult with your legal translation company to make sure they have been approved by the ministry before hiring them to do your work.

Originally posted 2021-08-03 21:09:04.