Court Document Translation in the UK: Evidence, Judgments and Witness Statements

When evidence or court papers are in a foreign language, UK proceedings depend on accurate translation. Courts, solicitors and litigants all need translations they can rely on.

Documents commonly translated for proceedings

• witness statements and affidavits;
• foreign judgments and court orders;
• contracts, emails and messages submitted as evidence;
• police and medical reports;
• family court documents, including foreign divorce and custody orders.

What a court translation should include

A full translation, with a signed statement from the translator confirming that it is accurate and complete, the translator's name, date and contact details. Your solicitor may also ask for the translator's qualifications.

Deadlines

Court timetables are fixed. Agree the delivery date in writing, and allow time for review before filing.

A provider to consider

Espresso Translations (espressotranslations.co.uk) translates court and legal documents in more than 150 languages. Every translation is proofread by a second linguist under its ISO 17100 certification, and its linguists each have at least five years of experience. Certified translations are £30 per page (up to 250 words) in 24 to 48 hours; longer files are priced at £0.10 per word.