Translation Rules (Legal Risks)

Translation or Legal Risk? Why the Word "Approximate" Is Dangerous in Contracts

In everyday conversation, the words "cancel" and "stop" might seem identical. However, in a legal contract, confusing the terms "Cancellation" and "Termination" can lead to million-dollar fines or a loss in court.

Why Google Translate (or an amateur translator) is Your Enemy:

• Terminological Precision: In a medical discharge summary (epicrisis) or a court verdict, every single word has its exact equivalent. A wrongly translated diagnosis or the wording of an accusation can be fatal.

• Notarization Requirements: Government bodies (embassies, registries) have strict standards for document formatting. A single typo in a surname or the omission of a seal translation is enough to receive a rejection.

• Context Perception: Literal translation often loses the legal meaning. A specialist translates not just the words, but the legal consequences.

By saving on translation quality, you risk your visa, a business deal, or a court case. At Finlaw, we ensure multi-level verification, eliminating any terminological deviations.