When someone passes away leaving assets abroad, things can quickly become complicated, especially if the will is in another language. And that’s where a key player steps in: the translation of wills.
But not just any translation will do. It must be accurate, legally sound, and officially valid. Otherwise, everything grinds to a halt. And trust me — you don’t want to get caught in the middle of that.
Why You Need a Legal Translation (and Not Just Any Translation)
Imagine this: your mother dies, leaving a flat in France. The will is in French, but you need it in Spanish for the notary. Do you translate it yourself? Use Google Translate? Absolutely not.
You need a sworn legal translation of the will — because in legal matters, if it’s not worded correctly, it carries no weight.
What does a sworn translator do?
They translate, yes — but they also certify. Their signature and official stamp give the document legal standing. Without them, the will won’t be recognised abroad.
International Inheritances: When Law and Emotion Collide
Dealing with inheritances isn’t just about paperwork. They stir up emotions, tensions, and often conflict. And if there are mistakes in the translation, things can spiral.
Common problems (that can be avoided):
· The will is unclear or ambiguous
· Key information is missing or mistranslated
· The notary or judge rejects it
· The heirs end up in dispute
All of this can be avoided with a proper legal translation — carried out by someone who understands not just languages, but also the law.
Which Documents Usually Need Translating?
It’s rarely just the will. Often, several documents must be translated. These are the most common:
· Notarial will
· Death certificate
· Certificate of last wills
· Declaration of heirs
· Property deeds
And yes, every single one must be translated with legal precision — word for word, term for term.
The real risk isn’t mistranslating words — it’s misinterpreting the law. One wrong term can trigger serious consequences.
A Real-Life Example (That Really Hurt)
A will was translated from German using “use” instead of “usufruct”. One heir believed they could sell the flat — but they were only allowed to live in it. It ended up in court. It cost money, time, and damaged family relationships.
Legal translation isn’t just a formality — it protects the wishes of someone who is no longer here.
How Much Does It Cost to Translate a Will?
It depends on the language, the number of pages, and whether it needs an apostille. To give you a rough idea: at ITrad Sworn Translators, we provide clear quotes with no hidden surprises.
And most importantly: our translations are legally valid in courts, notaries, and official registries. In this case, going cheap can turn out very expensive.
When Should You Request a Sworn Translation of a Will?
Here’s a quick checklist. If any of these apply, it’s time to get in touch:
· The will is written in another language
· You are inheriting assets in another country
· You need to submit the will to a consulate, court, or foreign notary
· You are the executor and must distribute the estate
In all of these situations, you need a professional sworn legal translation.
Bottom Line: If It’s Not Clear, It’s Not Legal
What’s at stake is someone’s legacy — their final wishes, their estate. This is no time for shortcuts or experiments.
At ITrad Sworn Translators, we’ve been doing this for years. We translate wills with surgical precision. We handle every word with care. And above all, we support the people behind the paperwork.
Do you have a will that needs translating?
Contact us. Ask your questions. We’re here to help.
