Translate Your Marriage Certificate for a UK Divorce

If you’re applying for a divorce in the UK and your marriage certificate isn’t in English or Welsh, you must provide a certified translation. This guide explains when it’s needed, how to get one, and the official requirements to ensure it’s accepted by the court.

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Do You Need to Translate Your Marriage Certificate?

Yes — you must translate your marriage certificate into English or Welsh if:

• You were married overseas

• The certificate is not written in English or Welsh

• The document doesn’t contain an English version on the reverse (common with some EU marriage certificates)

This requirement applies to anyone using a foreign certificate when applying for divorce through the online divorce service or by paper.

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What Documents Do You Need to Get a Divorce?

You must supply the following when filing for divorce:

• Full name and address of your spouse

• Original marriage certificate

• Any proof of name change (e.g. deed poll or updated passport)

• A certified English translation of your marriage certificate if it’s in another language

📄 You can view the full list of requirements under the Family Procedure Rules – Part 5.

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Legal Requirements for Marriage Certificate Translations

When submitting a translated marriage certificate to the court, it must follow official rules. These are set out in Practice Direction 5A of the Family Procedure Rules.

The key requirements are:

• The translation must be completed by a professional or translation agency

• It must include either:

  • A Statement of Truth signed by the translator, or

  • Certification from a Notary Public (optional but accepted)

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✅ What Is a Certified Translation?

A certified translation is a version of your original document that:

• Is signed and dated by the translator

• Includes their qualifications and contact information

• States that the translation is accurate and complete

• Is accompanied by a Statement of Truth or notarised certificate

For divorce, UK courts typically do not require notarisation if a proper Statement of Truth is included.

📝 For more on acceptable translations, see the guidance in the Civil Procedure Rules – Practice Direction 22.

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Do You Need a Notary Public?

Not usually. For most divorce-related translations, a certified translation with a Statement of Truth is accepted by the family courts. However, you might need notarisation if:

• The court specifically asks for it

• You’re using the document for other purposes (e.g. immigration or overseas legal processes)

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Where Can You Get a Certified Translation?

There are many providers online, but not all are experienced with legal documents for divorce. You should always look for a translation service that:

• Specialises in legal document translation

• Understands HMCTS requirements

• Offers certification and a Statement of Truth

• Has good reviews from UK-based clients

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Trusted Translation Services with Good Reviews

If you’re looking for help with translating your marriage certificate, here are some independent translation companies with strong reputations. We are not affiliated with any of these services and do not receive payment or commission — this list is provided to help you make an informed choice.

✅ Translation Services 24 (TS24)

A London-based agency offering certified translations in 200+ languages. Their translations are widely accepted by UK courts and government bodies.

✅ Certified Translation Services

Offers affordable, fast certified translations. Popular for legal documents, including marriage certificates for divorce.

✅ Home Office Translations UK

Specialises in documents required by the Home Office and UK courts. Highly rated for efficiency and professionalism.

✅ Translation Online

Easy online ordering and fast service. Well reviewed for court-approved translations with Statement of Truth included.

✅ Rapid Translate

Great for urgent needs. Offers 24/7 service and consistently positive feedback for accuracy and speed.

🔍 Tip: When choosing a provider, always confirm they include a Statement of Truth and that the translation is suitable for HMCTS divorce proceedings.

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After Translating Your Certificate: What’s Next?

Once translated:

1. Attach the certified translation to your divorce application.

2. Submit it through the HMCTS online divorce portal.

3. Keep copies of the translation and Statement of Truth for your records.

📬 If you’re working with a divorce service like divorce-online , we can upload the documents for you to the MyHMCTS portal.

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Final Thoughts

The UK divorce process requires accuracy when submitting key documents. If your marriage certificate is in a different language, getting a certified translation is essential — and getting it right the first time can save you time, stress, and money.

Still unsure?

📞 Book a free 15-minute advice call and we’ll walk you through it.