How to Make Sure Your Legal Document Translations are Accurate

Last Updated On: June 19, 2017

Legal documents often need to be translated. They may be needed for immigration purposes, business dealings overseas, property acquisitions and much more. Legal documents have to be translated accurately if they are to be of any use, so it is best to use a professional translation services provider rather than an amateur translator or a free translation service that you can find on the internet.

There is normally a lot of detailed language used in legal documents. Often, when these sorts of documents are translated, there is a requirement that the translator has a working knowledge of the legal terminology used in both the source language and the language this is to be translated into. This is where the selection of a suitable translation service agency is critical. Preferably, the translator should be a specialist in legal document translation services with a working knowledge of the law as it relates to the documents being translated.

This sort of translation service may cost a little more, but in terms of the accuracy of the translated product it is well worth it. There are many examples which could be quoted when even small mistakes in legal document translation have been financially damaging. Some mistakes when the language or legal terminology is critical could even be catastrophic and result in a failed contract or an immigration application being denied.

If you are looking for a translation services provider in Australia, then you should be looking for a NAATI accredited translation agency. These are the only ones that are trusted by the federal and state governments and many business organisations. However, not all NAATI translation agencies are necessarily able to handle legal translations so this is something you should check out before engaging the agency concerned.

Another important consideration when selecting a professional translator for legal document translation is the ability to work to a deadline. Court hearings, for instance, may require translated documents to be read out. These must be prepared on time as well as be an accurate representation of the original. If the document translation provider cannot deliver the translation on time, then it may be declared invalid at the court hearing.