Certified Will Translation Services
Locate Translate translates wills and testaments into and from English for individuals, executors and legal advisers. Send the complete document, language pair and intended use for a quote, including any certification instructions from the receiving organisation.
We handle the translation with attention to names, beneficiaries, executor appointments, gifts and clause references. If the will has codicils or supporting documents, include these in your enquiry so the full scope can be reviewed.
Will Translation for Probate and Estate Administration
A will may need translation so a solicitor, probate office, executor or beneficiary can read it in another language. Our certified translation service provides a signed and dated accuracy statement with the translation where required.
Tell us where the document will be submitted and share the recipient’s written requirements. The translation reproduces the source. It does not amend the will, determine inheritance rights or establish the will’s legal validity.
For wider matters, see our legal translation services. You can request a will translation quote with the full document and deadline.
Competitively Priced
Certified translation starts from £25/page. Length, language pair, handwriting, formatting and additional certification affect the total. We confirm the price after reviewing your document.
Language and Subject Expertise
The language pair and legal terminology guide translator selection. Provide relevant context and any preferred spellings of names so the translation can be checked against the source.
Careful Translation Checks
Checks cover names, dates, amounts, beneficiaries, clause references and completeness. Unclear text is flagged rather than guessed, and the source wording is not silently corrected.
Language Availability
Tell us the source and target languages. Availability is confirmed for the requested combination. See our languages page or send the document for review.
Urgent Requests
Same-day or next-day translation may be possible after review. Send the complete file and deadline so we can confirm availability before you order.
Project Communication
Our team can confirm the scope, answer document queries and coordinate delivery. Identify one contact to consolidate instructions when several family members or advisers are involved.
Terminology and Completeness
Numbered clauses, names and recurring legal terms need consistent treatment. Send all pages, including signature pages, handwritten additions and referenced attachments.
Confidentiality
Wills contain sensitive family and financial information. Discuss any NDA, file-transfer or access requirements before sending documents. Read our privacy policy for more information.
Translating a Foreign Will for Use in England and Wales
The official PA1P probate application form requests copies of foreign wills, or wills dealing with assets outside England and Wales, with an English translation where they are not in English.
Ask your solicitor or the receiving probate office about the requirements for your application, including any translator declaration or other supporting evidence. Requirements for Scotland, Northern Ireland or overseas submissions should be checked separately.
Send those instructions with the will so we can confirm the translation service required.
Confidential Handling of Wills
A will can identify relatives, beneficiaries, assets and personal wishes. Share only the documents needed for the agreed translation scope. If you plan to redact information, discuss this first because missing wording can affect how a clause is understood.
Contact our team before sending sensitive files if you need particular confidentiality arrangements. We will confirm how to provide the documents and raise any questions about legibility or missing pages.
Will Translation Turnaround
Short documents typically take 1–2 working days, and standard projects 2–3 working days. Longer wills, handwritten text, multiple codicils or additional certification may require more time.
Urgent same-day or next-day translation is offered only where feasible. Notarisation, sworn translation, legalisation and postal delivery have separate timelines, which we confirm in the quote.
Codicils, Names and Supporting Estate Documents
Send the version of the will that your adviser or receiving organisation requires, together with any codicils within scope. Label each file clearly. We translate the supplied documents and do not decide which version takes legal precedence.
Provide reference spellings for names where available, but the translation must reflect the source. Signatures and seals are identified rather than recreated, and illegible text is marked accordingly.
If your submission includes a death certificate, grant or other estate records, include them for a separate quote under our legal document translation service.
Certification for Overseas Use
An overseas recipient may request a certified or sworn translation, notarisation or legalisation. These are different services, and the requirement depends on the recipient and destination.
Share written instructions before ordering. Our legalised translation service can review any requested apostille or embassy steps. Acceptance remains the receiving organisation’s decision.
Notarisation is £130/document where required. Sworn translation is typically £70/page. An optional Statement of Truth is normally £25 extra. We confirm the applicable service and total price after review.
Will Translation FAQs
How Much Does a Certified Will Translation Cost?
Certified translation starts from £25/page. The total depends on the document, languages, readability, deadline and certification requirements. Send all pages and codicils for a confirmed quote. Our legal translation pricing guide explains the main cost factors.
Can You Translate a Handwritten Will?
Yes, readable handwritten wills and additions can be reviewed for translation. Send clear colour scans showing complete pages. If wording is illegible, we mark it as such rather than infer names, figures or wishes.
Do I Need Translation of Wills?
A translation may be needed when the person or organisation reviewing the will requires another language. Confirm the target language, intended use and certification format with the recipient before ordering.
Can You Translate Codicils as Well?
Codicils can be translated alongside the will. Supply each document and identify the required scope. We retain the wording and references in the source and raise unclear passages for clarification.
How Do I Send the Documents for Translation?
Email readable scans or use our contact form. Include all pages, the language pair, deadline and recipient’s instructions. Scans usually suffice for translation. If originals are needed for a separate service, we will confirm before asking you to post them.
Can You Change the Will During Translation?
No. Translation conveys the supplied wording in another language. Changes to beneficiaries, gifts or other provisions must be addressed through your legal adviser and reflected in the source document before translation.
Which Level of Certification Do I Need?
Ask the receiving organisation for written instructions. It may require a certified translation, a specific translator declaration, sworn translation or additional authentication. We review these requirements and confirm which service we can provide.
How Long Does Will Translation Take?
Short documents typically take 1–2 working days and standard projects 2–3 working days. Handwriting, length, language availability and certification can affect the schedule. Urgent delivery is confirmed after review.
Can You Provide a Translator Declaration?
We can provide an accuracy statement with a certified translation. If a Statement of Truth or a particular declaration is requested, send the exact instructions. A Statement of Truth is optional and normally costs £25 extra.
Request a Will Translation Quote
Send your document details, source and target languages, intended use and deadline to hello@locatetranslate.co.uk or use our contact form. Include any codicils and the recipient’s certification instructions so we can confirm the full price and delivery timeframe.