Court Judgment

Modern life often crosses borders, but court decisions do not automatically follow. A divorce order, a custody order, or a probate decision on inheritance issued in an English-speaking country often has to be presented in Germany for recognition or registration. When that happens, authorities such as the Standesamt, Familiengericht, or Nachlassgericht usually require a sworn German translation (beglaubigte Übersetzung) prepared by a court-sworn translator.

Each country uses slightly different terms. In the United States, you might receive a Final Judgment of Divorce or an Order for Custody; in the United Kingdom, a Final Order of Divorce or a Child Arrangements Order; and in Canada or Australia, Divorce Orders, Parenting Orders, or Grants of Probate. Although the formats vary, they all have one thing in common: legally binding consequences that must be translated with absolute accuracy.

Even small linguistic differences can have major implications. The English term joint custody does not automatically equal the German gemeinsames Sorgerecht, and a mistranslated phrase can delay recognition for months. This is why German authorities insist on certified translations, ensuring that every order, signature, and seal retains its full legal effect.

Nachtigal Services provides sworn English–German translations of court judgments, family and inheritance orders, and other legal documents. Our translations are precise, professionally formatted, and accepted by German authorities and courts, helping your documents cross borders as clearly as the law itself.