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Simple English definitions for legal terms
certified copy
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A quick definition of certified copy:
A certified copy is a copy of an important document that has been verified by a government or independent agency to make sure it is real. It can be used in many situations where the original document might be lost or damaged. However, if the original document is fake, the certified copy won't be any good. Unlike a notarized document, a certified copy doesn't need to be signed by a notary public, and it's usually cheaper. For example, if someone dies and their family needs to get their money from the bank, they might need to show a certified copy of the death certificate.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: A certified copy is a duplicate of an original document that has been verified by a government or independent agency to ensure its authenticity. It is used in situations where the original document may be lost, damaged, or stolen. A certified copy is not notarized, but it is cheaper than obtaining a notarized document.
Examples:
- A certified copy of a birth certificate may be required when applying for a passport.
- A certified copy of a marriage certificate may be required when changing your name.
- A certified copy of a death certificate may be required when claiming life insurance benefits.
These examples illustrate how a certified copy can be used in various situations to prove the authenticity of important documents. Without a certified copy, it may be difficult or impossible to obtain certain benefits or complete certain transactions.