Will & Testament Translation Australia
LEXIGO will and testament translations are accepted by:
- Supreme Courts (Probate Division) — all states and territories
- State trustees and public trustees
- Law firms and estate lawyers
- Superannuation funds — for death benefit claims
- Insurance companies — for life insurance claims
- State land titles offices — for property transfers
- Australian banks — for estate account administration
Why do I need a will translated?
When a person who held assets in Australia passes away with a will in another language, or when an overseas will needs to be presented to an Australian court, a NAATI certified English translation is required. Australian probate courts, superannuation funds, insurers, and banks all require translated wills to process estate matters.
Cross-border estate matters
International estates are increasingly common. A person may hold property in Australia but have a will drafted in their home country's language. Or an overseas family member may need to claim an Australian superannuation death benefit using an overseas will as evidence. In all cases, the Australian institution requires a certified English translation.
Testamentary documents from every legal tradition
Wills and testaments take many forms across the world's legal traditions. Common law wills, civil law testaments, Islamic wills (wasiyya), notarial wills, holographic (handwritten) wills, and joint wills all have different conventions and legal requirements. Our translators are experienced with testamentary documents from all legal systems.
Common scenarios
Probate: Applying for probate of an overseas will to administer Australian assets requires the will to be translated.
Superannuation death benefits: Super funds may require a translated will or succession certificate to process death benefit claims.
Insurance: Life insurance companies require translated wills or death certificates to process claims.
Family provision claims: If an overseas will is challenged in an Australian court, the will must be translated for proceedings.
To get started, provide:
- A clear scan of every page of the will or testament
- Include any codicils (amendments to the will)
- Include the attestation page with witness signatures
- Include any notarisation or court registration stamps
Your certified will translation includes:
- Full English translation of all clauses, bequests, conditions, and executor appointments
- Translation of witness attestation, notarisation, and any codicils
- Accurate rendering of legal terminology and testamentary provisions
- NAATI certification stamp with the translator's credential number
- Translator's signed certification statement
- Digital PDF delivered via email
- Optional hard copy via registered post
How much does will translation cost?
Starting from $69 per page. Simple wills are typically 2–4 pages ($140–$280).
Can an overseas will be used in Australian probate?
In many cases, yes. Australian courts can grant probate of an overseas will under certain conditions. A certified translation is required as part of the application. Consult an estate lawyer for advice.
Do you translate handwritten wills?
Yes. We translate handwritten (holographic) wills, though these may take longer if the handwriting is difficult to read.
How long does it take?
Standard 3–5 business days. Express service available for urgent estate matters.