In order for certain documents to be valid in a legal setting, it is necessary to have them translated by certified Russian translators. These can include birth certificates, death certificates, wills, deeds, contracts, financial agreements, and many other documents that must be translated into the target language exactly, without any subtle nuance of meaning omitted or altered. Certified Russian translators must sign an affidavit swearing that each certified Russian translation they perform has been carried out to the best of their abilities, and that they have remained true to the original text. However, there are several ways of obtaining a certified Russian translation of your documents, and if you are not certain about which one is right for your situation, problems may arise in the future.

Since the ultimate goal is to convert a document in one language into a form that will be legally viable in another, the first thing to do is to make sure that you follow the guidelines of the country where your translated document is needed. For example, a document that is translated and notarized in the United States will not be valid in a Russian court, and will not be considered a true certified Russian translation until it is notarized in Russia. While you’re looking for certified Russian translators, make sure they follow the standards of the legal system in the country where you’d like to use the document. If you need to take additional measures, such as notarization, be sure to inform the certified Russian translator you do business with.

The next step is selecting a certified Russian translator to handle your documents. As with any other translation assignment, you are looking for someone with good references who is willing to provide a list of previous clients, a certified Russian translator who is familiar both with Russian and with the source or target language. In addition, the company or individual you hire should be officially approved to produce certified Russian translations in the country or area where you intend to use the document, and should be familiar with the legal processes involved with the services they provide. In the United States, translators who wish to become certified by the ATA must pass a written examination, demonstrating their competence and adherence to professional standards.

Failing to produce certified Russian translations where they are required could cost you or your company valuable time and expenses. When official legal documents need to be translated for use in Russia’s legal system, or in that of another nation, be sure to choose a certified Russian translator who is certified by a national organization and who is familiar with the legalities of the document you need translated.