Best Certified True Copies Lawyers in Yerevan

1. About Certified True Copies Law in Yerevan, Armenia

Certified true copies, known in Armenian law as հաստատված պատճեններ, are copies of original documents that a legally authorised person verifies as accurate replicas. In Yerevan, this verification is typically performed by a notary or an authorised official. The process is used to certify documents for court, government agencies, banks, universities, and employers.

Armenian law distinguishes between a document being merely a copy and a copy that has a certified status. A certified true copy carries a presumption of accuracy and is commonly required for official submissions where original documents cannot be presented. The notary’s certification confirms that the copy corresponds to the original, without altering its content.

Notary offices in Yerevan operate under the regulated framework of Armenian law, and fees, procedures, and eligibility are published by official authorities. While some steps can be completed in person, many offices advise checking current requirements online before visiting. Always verify that the requesting authority accepts certified copies from Armenian notaries to avoid delays.

“Notarial activity in Armenia is governed by the Law on Notary Activity, with official notaries providing verification of copies and other authenticated services.” gov.am

“Certifying a true copy is a formal act that preserves the integrity of the original document and enables lawful submission to required authorities.” arlis.am

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer: Concrete scenarios in Yerevan

Scenario 1: You are applying for a student visa to study abroad and must submit certified copies of your birth certificate, transcript, and diplomas. An attorney can ensure the documents are properly prepared, translated if needed, and accepted by the diplomatic mission. They can also check whether the receiving authority demands a specific format or additional stamps.

Scenario 2: You are finalising a real estate transaction in Yerevan and must provide certified copies of your passport, tax clearance, and property documents for the deed registration. A legal professional can coordinate with a notary to avoid mismatches and can handle any required language translations or apostille steps.

Scenario 3: Your bank requires certified copies for a large loan application. A lawyer can guide you on which documents must be copied, attest the copies correctly, and verify the bank's exact format requirements to prevent delays or rejection.

Scenario 4: You are contesting a civil court matter and need certified copies of original contracts and agreements for submission. A solicitor can ensure the copies are authentic, properly stamped, and compliant with court procedure rules to avoid adjournments.

Scenario 5: A university in Yerevan requests certified copies of your diploma for admission or transfer. An attorney can handle the verification process, confirm the university’s acceptance criteria, and manage any translations or credential evaluations required by the institution.

Scenario 6: You are dealing with a government agency that will not accept uncertified copies. A legal counsel can communicate directly with the agency, prepare the required documents, and ensure compliance with local requirements to expedite processing.

3. Local Laws Overview

The main legal framework for certified true copies in Armenia rests on the Law on Notary Activity, which governs how notaries certify copies, authenticate signatures, and handle other notarial acts. This law creates the basis for who may certify copies, what documents can be certified, and how fees are set. It is supported by broader civil and administrative legislation that governs document handling and authentication.

The Civil Code of the Republic of Armenia provides general rules on evidence, document authentication, and the admissibility of certified copies in civil proceedings. It also sets out rules about the interpretation and weight given to certified copies in disputes. Armenian courts routinely rely on these provisions when assessing the validity of certified documents.

The Administrative Procedure Code governs how government bodies request, review, and accept certified copies in administrative processes. It includes timelines for document handling and ensures due process when officials require certified copies for licensing, permits, or registrations.

“The Law on Notary Activity governs notaries, their powers to certify copies, and the related procedures and fees.” gov.am

“The Civil Code establishes how certified copies function as evidence and the weight they carry in court.” parliament.am

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is a certified true copy in Armenia and how is it used?

A certified true copy is a copy verified by a notary as a faithful reproduction of the original document. It is used for official submissions where presenting the original is impractical or prohibited, such as court filings or visa applications.

How do I obtain a certified copy from a notary in Yerevan?

Visit a notary office with the original document and the requested copies. The notary will compare copies to the original, stamp and sign them, and provide a certificate confirming accuracy. Fees vary by document type and location.

Do I need a lawyer to obtain certified copies?

Not always, but a lawyer can help if the documents are complex, if you need translations, or if the receiving authority requires specific formats. An attorney can also handle communications with government agencies to prevent delays.

How much do certified copies cost in Yerevan?

Fees depend on the document type and the number of copies. Notaries publish their tariff schedules, and some documents may incur additional charges for translations or expedited service.

How long does the process typically take?

In most cases, a standard certified copy can be issued in the same day or within 1-2 days. If translations or international processing are required, timelines extend accordingly.

Do I need to present original documents for certification?

Yes, you must present the original to the notary so they can verify that the copy is an exact reproduction. The original is not copied to create the certified copy; the copy is created during the process.

Can a certified copy be used for international purposes?

Often yes, but some institutions require additional steps such as translation, legalization, or apostille. Check with the receiving authority to determine exact requirements.

What is the difference between a certified copy and a legalized or apostilled copy?

A certified copy is verified by a notary as true to the original. Legalization or apostille is an additional step for international recognition, typically performed by government authorities or a designated notary chain.

Who can certify copies if there is no notary available in Yerevan?

If notaries are unavailable, some government offices or educational institutions may certify copies under specific rules. Always verify with the receiving authority and consider consulting a lawyer for alternatives.

What if my original document is in a foreign language?

The notary can arrange for an accurate translation if required by the recipient. The certified copy will then accompany the translation, both of which may need authentication.

Do I need a lawyer for business notarizations in Yerevan?

For complex commercial transactions, a lawyer can ensure compliance with contract requirements, regulatory standards and proper documentation. They can coordinate with a notary to minimize delays.

5. Additional Resources

The following resources provide official information on notaries, certified copies, and Armenian law:

• Government of Armenia - Official Portal - General information on public services and regulatory guidance.
• Parliament of the Republic of Armenia - Texts of laws and amendments, including notary related provisions.
• Armenian Legal Information System (ARLIS) - Official repository of laws, codes, and legal acts in Armenia.

6. Next Steps

1. Identify the exact certified copy you need and the authority where it will be submitted to determine the required format and language.
2. Gather the originals and all supporting documents you will need for verification and translations, if necessary.
3. Search for a local notary with experience in your document type or engage a lawyer to assist with the process.
4. Call ahead to confirm hours, fees, required documents, and whether translations or apostille services are needed.
5. Prepare a list of questions about timelines, costs, and whether electronic processing is available at your chosen office.
6. Attend the appointment with originals, copies, and any translation requirements to minimize the need for rescheduling.
7. Obtain the certified copies, verify the certificates for accuracy, and request receipts or proof of certification for your records.