Legal Definitions - attested copy

An attested copy is a duplicate of an original document that has been officially verified as a true and accurate reproduction by an authorized individual. This verification typically involves the authorized person's signature, and often a stamp or seal, confirming that they have compared the copy to the original and found them to be identical. The purpose of an attested copy is to provide a reliable substitute for the original document when the original cannot or should not be surrendered.

• Example 1: Estate Planning

  Imagine a person needs to provide a copy of their Last Will and Testament to a financial institution for the purpose of setting up a trust, but they do not want to release the original, irreplaceable will. Instead of the original, they can present an attested copy of the will. A legal professional, such as a solicitor or notary public, would compare the copy with the original will and then sign and stamp the copy, confirming its authenticity. This allows the financial institution to proceed with the trust setup, relying on the verified accuracy of the will's terms without possessing the original document.

• Example 2: International Visa Application

  An individual applying for a long-term visa to another country is often required to submit copies of their academic transcripts and professional certifications. The embassy specifies that these copies must be "attested." The applicant would take their original diplomas and transcripts to an authorized person, such as a notary public or a designated government official. This official would review the original documents, make copies, and then sign and seal each copy, thereby attesting that they are true and accurate reproductions of the originals. The embassy can then trust the validity of these educational records for the visa application process.

• Example 3: Business Contract Verification

  A small business is entering into a significant partnership agreement and needs to provide the partner with a copy of a crucial prior contract that outlines intellectual property rights. The original contract is stored securely and cannot be released. The business can provide an attested copy of the intellectual property contract. A company secretary or legal counsel would verify the copy against the original, then sign and stamp it, confirming its accuracy. This provides the new partner with a legally reliable version of the document without compromising the security of the original.