Can a minor child or other relative or friend of a non-English speaker be used as an interpreter?
Yes, but this is not a best practice and is discouraged. First, it is highly unlikely that the qualifications of that person to perform court interpreting are adequate. Second, issues are raised whenever a friend or relative provides interpretation services, especially in the legal context where a person must reveal intimate medical, personal, social, and financial information in order to receive competent legal advice and representation. Furthermore, the untrained court interpreter may embellish testimony based on a desire to help the non-English speaker. A minor child of a party should never be used as an interpreter. Back to Top • Can a court or magistrate use a non-certified Spanish language interpreter? Yes, but the first recommended step in selecting a Spanish language court interpreter is to consult the Certified Spanish Language Interpreter List. The Judicial Council of Virginia encourages the use of court-certified interpreters first, where available. If no certified Spanish l
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- Can a minor child or other relative or friend of a non-English speaker be used as an interpreter?
