Translations & Witnessing
Translations
A written translation of a foreign document may be required to ensure you understand what you are signing. In addition, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office will not issue an apostille for a foreign-language document unless a translation is provided.
I can arrange a professional translation through a third-party service (quotation available before work is authorised).
If you arrange your own translation, the translator must include their name, address, qualifications, and a certificate stating:
“Document X is a true and complete translation of document Y, to which this translation is attached.”
Please note: the foreign-language document will always be legally binding. The English translation is provided for reference only. If there are differences between the two, the foreign document will prevail.
Witnesses
Some documents require one or more witnesses in addition to the Notary. This is common for:
South African property documents
Indian Powers of Attorney
Certain American documents
The witnesses must see you sign in the presence of the Notary, so they must attend the appointment with you.
They must:
Be over 18
Be independent and not related to you (your partner cannot act as witness)
Bring valid ID (passport and proof of address, or other suitable ID)