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Legalizing Foreign Agreements (International Law 101)

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It is basic, but axiomatic, when finalizing international agreements that involve the use of more than one language, from sales contracts, licensing agreements, and divorce and custody agreements, through to international treaties, certain steps must be taken to ensure the accuracy, validity, and enforcement of the document.

After document completion, the first step is to hire professional, authorized and licensed interpreters, in the host country, to read the foreign language version, authenticate its legitimacy with its creators and then translate it into English.

Next, after translation, either through a foreign Notary, Chamber of Commerce or whatever governing body the host country’s legal system provides, the foreign language version and the English translated version must be authenticated legally.

Finally, after both copies of the agreement have been legally authenticated, both copies must be filed with the requisite receiving depository in the host country.

Then and only then does one have a legally binding and enforceable agreement.