David Ameisen, PhD — Sworn Translator
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about certified translation
David Ameisen, PhD — Sworn Translator
Everything you need to know about certified translation
General
A sworn translator (expert de justice) is officially appointed by a French Court of Appeal and takes an oath before it. Their translations carry official legal value and are accepted by courts, prefectures, and public authorities in France.
The term "certified" is often used as a synonym in everyday language, but has no precise legal definition in France. Only a translation signed with the seal of a registered judicial expert has genuine legal standing.
Yes. A certified translation signed by a judicial expert registered with any French Court of Appeal is accepted by all prefectures, sub-prefectures, courts, and French public authorities, without exception.
They are two distinct and complementary processes.
An apostille certifies the authenticity of an official document (signature, seal). In France, since 1 May 2025, apostille formalities are handled by the notarial profession (service-public.fr). It does not translate the document.
A certified translation is a translation certified as conforming to the original, produced by a judicial expert. It does not certify the authenticity of the source document.
In most cross-border situations, both are required. Learn more →
No, not for official documents. Authorities, courts, and prefectures require a certified translation signed with the seal of a sworn judicial expert. A machine translation — however sophisticated — has no legal value for official purposes.
Documents and process
No. A legible scan or photograph is sufficient in the vast majority of cases. I certify that the translation conforms to the document submitted to me.
The prefecture or relevant authority may sometimes ask to see the originals when the file is submitted — but that is a requirement of the authority, not the translator.
I translate all official English-French documents, including:
Your certified translation is sent by email as a PDF bearing the translator's signature and seal. This format is accepted by all French authorities.
A paper copy can be collected in person at our offices or sent by registered post with acknowledgement of receipt, as required.
Turnaround and pricing
For a standard document (birth certificate, passport, one-page diploma), translation is typically delivered within 24 to 48 working hours. A shorter turnaround is possible on request, depending on availability.
For large-volume files (contracts, legal proceedings, due diligence), the timeline is agreed at the quoting stage based on volume and complexity.
Pricing is based primarily on the number of pages or words in the source document, its technical complexity (legal, medical, financial), and the requested turnaround.
The quote is free and sent within 2 hours of receiving the document. There is no commitment until the quote is accepted. For files over 30 pages, I provide a tailored quote.
Yes, entirely. Send your document and I'll return a detailed quote within 2 hours, with no obligation on your part.
Specific uses
A certified translation by a French judicial expert is generally accepted by authorities in countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention. For certain countries, an apostille or consular legalization may be required in addition. I will advise on any additional steps when providing the quote.
Yes. I regularly work with lawyers and litigants on translations of documents to be filed in court proceedings. Certified translations are admissible before all French courts and most foreign jurisdictions.
If you are working on an urgent matter, contact me directly on WhatsApp for priority handling.
Yes — this is actually an area I work in regularly. For large or complex assignments, I provide a tailored quote based on total volume, technical complexity and timelines. See the dedicated professionals page →