Translations

07.11.2010

There has been recent debate amongst Notaries concerning the need to obtain a translation of documents prepared in languages other than English.

The Notarial Practice Rules, with which all Notaries in England & Wales must comply, do not prohibit the preparation or authentication of documents in other languages but, generally speaking, a Notary must ensure either that s/he has sufficient knowledge of the particular language concerned or that s/he has satisfied her/himself as to the meaning of the document in question.

These Rules often make it necessary for the Notary to obtain an independent translation of a document into English in order for both Notary and client to be confident that they understand what they are signing. Such translations can usually be obtained quickly and cost effectively.