Professional sworn translation guardianship
Fast. Recognized. 100% digital. You wholeheartedly take responsibility for a person who cannot protect themselves. In order for your guardianship to be recognized internationally, the relevant documents must be translated and certified.
Why with us?
- Specialist legal translators: Our translations are produced exclusively by experienced translators with legal specialization.
- Officially recognized: Our certified translations are accepted by authorities, courts and institutions at home and abroad.
- Express service: On request within 24 hours - without any loss of quality.
- Completely online: No post, no paperwork - simply upload your documents and receive everything digitally or by post.
What is a guardianship and when do you need translated documents?
Guardianship means that a person assumes legal responsibility for a child or adult who is unable to manage their own affairs. In most cases, this applies to minors whose parents are unable or unwilling to exercise parental care. The guardian then legally takes their place.
Reasons for the appointment of a guardian:
- Death of parents
- Withdrawal of custody due to abuse or neglect
- Unaccompanied refugee minors
Using guardianship documents abroad? Nothing works without a certified translation!
To have your guardianship documents recognized, you will need a number of documents that have to be translated and certified:
| Document | Purpose/comments |
|---|---|
| Basic documents | |
| Birth certificate of the ward | Proof of identity and age |
| Identity card/passport of the ward | Proof of identity, if necessary for trips abroad |
| Identity card/passport of the guardian | Proof of identity for the guardian |
| Extended certificate of good conduct of the guardian | Proof of personal suitability |
| Case-dependent documents | |
| Death certificate of the parents | Guardianship after the death of the parents |
| Court order on custody arrangements | Withdrawal of parental custody |
| Family register | For guardianship by relatives |
| Will/Power of attorney of the parents | If parents have appointed a guardian |
| Additionally for international guardianships | |
| Certified translations of all documents | Into the official language of the respective country |
| Apostille or legalization | Required depending on country of origin |
Our translation process: simple, secure, reliable
1. upload documents
Simply upload your guardianship documents via our secure online portal. Your data is protected by state-of-the-art encryption technology.
2. specialist translator takes over
A specialist translator with legal expertise in the field of guardianship law will provide a precise translation of your documents.
3. certification and quality control
Your translation is certified by a state-authorized translator and goes through our multi-stage quality control process.
4. delivery of the certified translation
You will receive your certified translation as a digital PDF by e-mail and, on request, also as a printed original by post.
Why customers trust us
Legal aspects of guardianship in an international context
The reformed guardianship law has been in force since January 1, 2023. The relevant legal regulations can be found in Sections 1773-1808 of the German Civil Code (BGB). The recognition of guardianship across national borders is subject to a complex legal framework. According to the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children (Hague Convention), guardianships are generally recognized in contracting states, but authorities often require certified translations of all relevant documents.
Legal basis for recognition:
- Hague Convention on the Protection of Children (Hague Convention) - regulates the jurisdiction and recognition of guardianships between contracting states
- EU Regulation 2019/1111 - Facilitates the recognition of decisions on parental responsibility within the EU
- National guardianship and family law - Varies considerably between different countries
Special requirements for international guardianships
Depending on the country, additional requirements may be placed on the documentation and proofs. Our specialist translators are familiar with the legal particularities of the respective target countries and ensure that the translations meet all formal criteria. There are specific procedures for the recognition of foreign documents in Germany:
-
Apostille procedure: For countries that have acceded to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents, an apostille is sufficient. This confirms the authenticity of the signature and the authority of the signatory.
-
Legalization: Legalization is required for countries that are not party to the Hague Convention. The authenticity of the document is confirmed by the responsible German diplomatic mission abroad.
Tip: Are you unsure whether your document needs an apostille? You can find all the important information in our guide to apostilles.
Frequently asked questions about the translation of guardianship documents
How long does the translation of guardianship documents take?
The standard processing time is 3-4 working days. With our express service, you will receive your certified translation within 24 hours (applies to the language combinations DE↔EN, DE↔ES and DE↔IT).
Are guardianship translations recognized by foreign authorities?
Yes, our translations are carried out by authorized translators and are recognized by authorities and courts worldwide. An additional apostille or legalization may be required for certain countries.
Do I need the original documents in paper form for the translation?
No, high-quality scans of the original documents, which you can easily upload via our portal, are sufficient for the translation.
Can I exercise guardianship abroad without a certified translation?
As a rule, no. Authorities and institutions abroad almost always require certified translations of all relevant documents in the respective official language.
What languages do you offer for guardianship documents?
We translate into 19 language combinations, including all major European languages as well as Arabic, Russian and Turkish. You can find all available language combinations here.
What does the certified translation of guardianship documents cost?
The costs depend on the volume of documents and the selected language combination. For an individual quote, you can request a non-binding offer directly using our form.
Is a guardianship the same as an adoption - and which documents need to be translated?
No, guardianship is not the same as adoption. In a guardianship, a person temporarily assumes legal representation for a child without legally changing the family relationship. Adoption, on the other hand, leads to a permanent legal parent-child relationship.
👉 You can find more information and differences in our guide to adoption.
What customers say about their experience with B24:
"When I took over the guardianship of my nephew from Italy, I needed legally compliant translations. B24 not only delivered on time, but also fulfilled all the official requirements perfectly." - Martina K. from Munich ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"After my brother passed away unexpectedly, I had to step in as guardian for his children. The necessary documents were translated into English by B24 within 24 hours, so that I was able to settle matters in England." - Thomas M. from Hamburg ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐