Translation of Documents - Same format as original?

[x_driven_x 1,778]

I'm trying to determine how best to have my fiance's documents translated. 

 

Should I have her scan them and send them to me and then pay for a service to do it?

 

I have friends who are trained and fluent in both languages, can they do it and attach an affadavit certifying the accuracy? One question I have is if the documents need to be in the same format? Say for example, a birth certificate with a seal on it.... do they usually just take the scanned copy, use photoshop or something to remove the foreign language and replace it with English? That is the part I'm confused on.

 

Thanks!

[KULtoATL 1,551]

If you friend is fluent in both languages, yes, he/she can do the translation and just include the following certification of translation at the bottom of the translated document and sign it:

 

Certification by Translator

I [typed name], certify that I am fluent (conversant) in the English and ________ languages, and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled ______________________________.

Signature_________________________________
Date Typed Name
Address

 

****

 

You do not scan and alter the original the document. Your friend needs to reproduce the document with the appropriate translation. There's no need to worry about the seal or original registrar's signature or anything like that. I did my own translation and where there is a signature, I simply inserted the word [SIGNED]. It's self explanatory given that you submit a copy of the original document along with its translation.

[tanderson64 201]

I had my fiance scan and email me the documents and I had them translated here.  They do not need to be an exact copy of the original.  The translation follows the same basic format and flow of the original.  A certified translator will know what to do.

 

The translator also notarized the translation, but I don't think that is necessary.