Guide · Certified translations
Which translations of a will and its opening record does the recipient need?
A will, the official record of its opening and an inheritance certificate are different documents. Establish the required record type clearly for a cross-border estate.
Reviewed on 27 October 2026
The short answer
Ask whether the recipient needs the will itself, its official opening record and further inheritance evidence. Translation and legal evidential status are separate matters. Certifying the translation of a private will does not turn it into a public document or automatically replace a requested inheritance or succession certificate.
Distinguish the will, opening record and inheritance evidence
Record the exact title of each available document and where it will be used. Keep court correspondence and associated attachments in one inventory.
A 2026 Munich Higher Regional Court decision illustrates, for a particular land-register case, that translation does not replace the required type of inheritance evidence. Clarify your documents’ suitability with the competent recipient.
Read more: Munich Higher Regional Court: inheritance evidence and a foreign will (22 July 2026)
Provide the complete version being used
Gather every page, amendment and accompanying confirmation of the selected version. Clearly identify private drafts, transcripts and officially issued records.
For handwriting or historical scripts, legibility needs checking first. Identify unclear passages in your enquiry without completing the source yourself or inserting words you believe are missing.
Agree translation separately from legal assessment
Supply the language, recipient and expressly requested scope. A language translation is not an interpretation of succession or advice on drafting a new will.
Check names, dates and document references in the completed set against the sources. For multiple recipients, agree issued copies and required languages individually in advance.
Your next steps
Record the recipient and exact document types requested.
Gather the actual version, amendments and attachments.
Discuss legibility and translation scope beforehand.
Present sources, translations and further evidence in an organised set.
More questions
Does a translated will replace an inheritance certificate?
Not automatically. Clarify the required evidential format with the actual recipient.
Does the opening record need translating too?
That depends on the requirement. List it separately alongside the will.
Can you fill in illegible words?
Unclear passages must be discussed against the source. Missing content must not be invented as established information.
Sources and further reading
The receiving organisation’s current instructions matter for your assignment. Send them to us with your documents.
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