# Legalization of a certificate linking different names to one person
Source: https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/frequently-asked-questions/document-legalization/legalization-of-a-certificate-linking-different-names-to-one-person/
Translation and legalization of a certificate linking different names to one person
La Fit Trans prepares certificates that link different names to the same person for official use in Bulgaria or abroad. We review the document, every form of the name, the countries involved and the recipient's instructions before proposing translation and the applicable authentication.
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A certificate linking different names to one person proves that names appearing in separate records belong to the same individual. It can bridge documents issued before and after marriage, divorce, a court-ordered change, adoption or another registered change. International use depends on the actual certificate, its issuer and the receiving institution's requirements.
## What does the certificate prove?
It links the person's current name to one or more former or differently recorded names. A Bulgarian form normally states the current name, personal identification number and the other names found to belong to that person. The translation follows the recorded forms exactly and does not invent missing variants.
## When is the certificate used after a name change?
It is commonly needed when a diploma, civil-status record, court paper, employment record or company document predates the name change. The reason may be marriage, divorce, a court decision, adoption, recognition of parentage or a registry correction. The recipient's requested link between the documents remains decisive.
## Which details are checked before translation?
We compare the current name, every former or variant name, the Bulgarian personal number or another identifier, issuing municipality, issue date and reference, signatures, seals and electronic verification data. For a document set, each spelling is matched to the source in which it appears.
## Does it replace a marriage certificate or court decision?
No. This certificate proves that the names identify one person, while a marriage record, court decision or other primary instrument explains the event or legal basis for the change. A receiving body may require either document or both. We establish the requested evidence before quoting.
## How are the names rendered in the translation?
Each name form is translated or transcribed so that it remains traceable to the corresponding source document. For Latin-script output, a valid identity document's preferred spelling is followed where applicable, without silently erasing differences. A translator's note is added only when it helps distinguish the recorded forms.
## How are an apostille and other authentication selected?
The route depends on the issuing country, destination country, certificate format, applicable international arrangements and recipient practice. It may involve an apostille, another legalization method, an exemption or only a suitable translation. We verify the case before adding any authentication step.
## How is a foreign name-change document handled?
We first establish whether the foreign document itself links the names or merely records the event that caused the change. Its issuer, country, intended Bulgarian use and translation or authentication requirements are checked. It is combined with a Bulgarian certificate or another record only when the recipient requires it.
## How do I obtain an exact price and timing?
Customers send a legible copy of every side together with the documents carrying the different names. Customers state the language, countries, receiving institution, purpose, preferred deadline and number of copies. After review, La Fit Trans lists translation, editorial checking, applicable authentication, outside charges and delivery separately.
## Question topics
- [Document Legalization 139](https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/frequently-asked-questions/document-legalization/)
- [Online translation and legalisation of documents 12](https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/frequently-asked-questions/online-translation-and-legalisation-of-documents/)
- [Offices for translation and legalization 5](https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/frequently-asked-questions/offices-for-translation-and-legalization/)
- [Translation and legalization orders 5](https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/frequently-asked-questions/translation-and-legalization-orders/)
- [Translation of documents 20](https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/frequently-asked-questions/translation-of-documents/)
- [Specialized translations 2](https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/frequently-asked-questions/specialized-translations/)
- [Quality process management 5](https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/frequently-asked-questions/quality-process-management/)
- [Interpreting 10](https://www.lafit-trans.com/en/frequently-asked-questions/interpreting/)
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## Support for your particular case
The La Fit Trans team relates the general information to the specific document, language and receiving institution. The quotation then covers the necessary translation and certification, with a clear understanding of the agreed result.
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