Asseveration, legalization and apostille. Tough terms that often confuse those who receive a request for legal or sworn translations. The purpose of this article is precisely to clarify the process underlying a legal translation.
Asseveration, i.e. to declare on oath in a court to validate official documents, is not always required by the States and, sometimes, it is sufficient a declaration of a translator or a certified agency (with its stamp). This is the case in the United States and Canada. On the other hand, in Australia, the translator must be registered with NAATI, the association that allows only its members to certify translations.
Then, to understand how to do a sworn translation first of all it is necessary to ascertain where the document to be translated is to be sent and ask the body that has to deal with the paperwork whether it is necessary to take an oath in court or the stamped and signed statement of the person who did the translation is enough.
Let’s distinguish between the two main cases:
– Sworn translation from a foreign language into Italian, with document that remains in Italy
– Sworn translation from Italian into a foreign language, with document to be sent abroad
Sworn translation from a foreign language into Italian
All that is needed is asseveration, i.e. the translator’s oath in the court. In Italy, every court has different times and rules, so contact Lionspeech agency a little in advance so you can optimize the time to do the translation in time for the oath practice.
If the document remains in Italy, no further steps are necessary. The original document will be attached to the translation and will become a single document valid in Italy and can be presented to the body that requested it.
Sworn translation from Italian into a foreign language
In this case, a second step may be necessary, namely the so-called “legalization” or apostille. This operation, which takes place in the prefecture, represents the recognition of the signatures of the court on the sworn document. Usually, the Prefecture takes 2 days for this practice. Therefore, you should prepare in time, in order to take into account the time actually necessary.
In summary, this is how to request a legal translation:
1) Ask the body in question whether asseveration (oath) is required or a statement from the Lionspeech translation agency is sufficient.
2) Send documents for translation to Lionspeech by email or WhatsApp, taking a high-definition, complete photo.
3) Know the country to which the translation is to be sent
Then, Lionspeech Translation Agency can calculate the quote, which consists of:
– Price of the translation
– Price of asseveration / oath
– Price of legalization / apostille (if necessary) For more information on legal translations, you can visit the page on sworn translations.