Certify is a legal term that refers to the act of officially confirming or attesting to the truth, accuracy, or authenticity of something. It is commonly used in various legal contexts, such as certifying documents, certifying copies, or certifying compliance with certain standards or regulations. When something is certified, it carries a higher level of credibility and can be relied upon as evidence or proof in legal proceedings.
Certifying a document means that a qualified individual, such as a notary public or an authorized officer, has verified the authenticity of the document and confirmed that it is a true and accurate representation of the original.
The specific requirements for who can certify a document may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the type of document. Generally, notary publics, lawyers, government officials, and certain authorized officers can certify documents.
Various types of documents can be certified, including but not limited to, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts, legal contracts, and affidavits.
Certifying a document may be necessary in situations where the authenticity and accuracy of the document need to be verified, such as when submitting legal documents to a court, applying for a visa or passport, or executing a contract.
The cost of certifying a document can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the type of document. Notary publics and other certifying authorities may charge a fee for their services.
The time it takes to certify a document can vary depending on the certifying authority and their workload. In some cases, it can be done immediately, while in others, it may take a few days.
No, a certified copy is not the same as an original document. A certified copy is a duplicate of the original document that has been certified by a qualified individual as a true and accurate representation of the original.
The validity of a certified document can vary depending on the purpose for which it is being used. Some documents may have specific expiration dates, while others may remain valid indefinitely.
Yes, it is possible to get a document certified even if it is not in English. However, in such cases, it may be necessary to provide a certified translation of the document along with the original document for certification.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 4th April 2024.
To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.
- Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/certify/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):Certify. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. May 09 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/certify/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Certify. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/certify/ (accessed: May 09 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Certify. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved May 09 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/certify/
Our team of professionals are based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. We offer clear, specialist legal advice in all matters relating to Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney and Court of Protection.
All author posts