Professional certified translation Guardianship
Fast. Recognised. 100% digital. With all your heart, you take responsibility for a person who cannot protect themselves. In order for your guardianship to be recognised internationally, the related documents must be translated and certified.
Why choose us?
- Legal specialist translators: Our translations are carried out exclusively by experienced translators with a legal specialisation.
- Officially recognised: Our certified translations are accepted by authorities, courts and institutions in Germany and abroad.
- Express service: On request within 24 hours – without any loss of quality.
- Completely online: No postal routes, no paperwork – simply upload your documents and receive everything digitally or by post.
What is guardianship and when do you need translated documents?
Guardianship means that a person assumes legal responsibility for a child or an adult who is unable to manage their own affairs. In most cases, this concerns minors whose parents are unable or unwilling to exercise their parental care. The guardian then legally takes their place.
Reasons for appointing a guardian:
- Death of the parents
- Withdrawal of custody due to abuse or neglect
- Unaccompanied minor refugees
Using guardianship documents abroad? Nothing works without a certified translation!
For your guardianship documents to be recognised, you need a number of documents that must be translated and certified:
| Document | Purpose/Notes |
|---|---|
| Basic documents | |
| Birth certificate of the ward | Proof of identity and age |
| ID card/passport of the ward | Proof of identity, if applicable for travel abroad |
| ID card/passport of the guardian | Proof of identity for the guardian |
| Extended certificate of good conduct of the guardian | Proof of personal suitability |
| Case-specific documents | |
| Death certificate of the parents | In case of guardianship after the death of the parents |
| Court order on custody arrangements | In case of withdrawal of parental custody |
| Family record book | In case of guardianship by relatives |
| Will/power of attorney of the parents | If the parents have appointed a guardian |
| Additionally for international guardianships | |
| Certified translations of all documents | Into the official language of the respective country |
| Apostille or legalisation | Required depending on the 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 specialised legal translator with expertise in guardianship law creates a precise translation of your documents.
3. Certification and quality control
Your translation is certified by a state-authorised translator and passes through our multi-stage quality control.
4. Delivery of the certified translation
You receive your certified translation as a digital PDF by email and, if desired, additionally 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 1 January 2023. You can find the relevant statutory provisions in sections 1773–1808 of the German Civil Code (BGB). Recognition of guardianship across national borders is subject to complex legal frameworks. Under the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children (HCCH 1996), guardianships are generally recognised in contracting states, but authorities often require certified translations of all relevant documents.
Legal basis for recognition:
- Hague Convention on the Protection of Children (HCCH 1996) – regulates jurisdiction and recognition of guardianship 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 documentation and proof. Our specialist translators are familiar with the legal specifics of the respective destination countries and ensure that the translations meet all formal criteria. Specific procedures are in place for the recognition of foreign documents in Germany:
-
Apostille procedure: For countries that are party to the Hague Convention abolishing the requirement of legalisation for foreign public documents, an apostille is sufficient. This confirms the authenticity of the signature and the authority of the signatory.
-
Legalisation: For states that are not party to the Hague Convention, legalisation is required. In this process, the authenticity of the document is confirmed by the competent German diplomatic mission abroad.
Tip: Not sure whether your document needs an apostille? You’ll find all key information in our guide to apostilles.
Frequently asked questions about the translation of guardianship documents
How long does it take to translate guardianship documents?
The standard processing time is 3–4 working days. With our express service, you receive your certified translation within 24 hours (applies to the language combinations DE↔EN, DE↔ES and DE↔IT).
Are translations of guardianship documents recognised by foreign authorities?
Yes, our translations are produced by authorised translators and are recognised worldwide by authorities and courts. For certain countries, an additional apostille or legalisation may be required.
Do I need the original documents in paper form for the translation?
No, high-quality scans of the original documents are sufficient for the translation, which you can conveniently upload via our portal.
Can I exercise guardianship abroad without a certified translation?
Generally, no. Authorities and institutions abroad almost always require certified translations of all relevant documents in the respective official language.
Which languages do you offer for guardianship documents?
We translate in 19 language combinations, including all major European languages as well as Arabic, Russian and Turkish. You can find all available language combinations here.
How much does a certified translation of guardianship documents cost?
The cost depends on the scope of the documents and the selected language combination. For an individual price quote, you can request a non-binding offer directly via our form.
Is guardianship the same as 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 changing the legal family relationship. Adoption, on the other hand, creates 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 guardianship of my nephew from Italy, I relied on legally compliant translations. B24 not only delivered on time, but also met all official requirements perfectly." – Martina K. from Munich ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"After my brother passed away unexpectedly, I had to step in as guardian for his children. The required documents were translated into English by B24 within 24 hours, so I was able to take care of matters in England." – Thomas M. from Hamburg ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐