French Translations

Welcome to the website of Françoise Matthews

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Background

• Native French speaker, born and brought up in Paris
• As well as studying English at the Sorbonne (Paris), I attended a grande école
• As an adult, I lived in the UK and Australia
• I taught French in high schools as well as Melbourne University
• I managed a second-hand and antiquarian bookshop for 10 years
• I became an interpreter in 1999 and a translator in 2007
• As well as working as a translator, I was a court interpreter

Qualifications

• Licence (Sorbonne) (BA in English + BA in French Modern Literature and Linguistics)
• Maîtrise (Sorbonne) (MA in English)
• Agrégation (Sorbonne) (competitive examination entitling the holder to teach at the highest level in secondary and tertiary education)
• Professional Translator English into French (NAATI, Sydney)
• Professional Translator French into English (NAATI, Sydney)
• Professional Interpreter in the English and French languages (NAATI, Sydney)
• I completed a course at UNSW on “Interpreting in Legal Settings”

I am also

• vetted to translate official documents for the AFP (Australian Federal Police)
• a member of AUSIT (Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators)
• on the list of French interpreters and translators of the French Embassy in Australia

Experience

I am certified to translate in both directions, French to English and English to French. I do not have a specialty as such and consider myself as a generalist, with experience in many fields. However, the bulk of my work involves personal, official and legal documents.

• I regularly translate Birth, Death and Marriage Certificates, divorce papers, police records, passports, driving licences, and academic qualifications and transcripts.
• I have worked on brochures for early education, health, old age and documents for the Family Court on child support.
• A few years ago, I was responsible for English-French glossaries to be used nationally by other translators and interpreters working in the field of Health (Aged Care, Palliative Care and Sexual Health).
• I occasionally work for the AFP translating documents for the Attorney-General Department and in international criminal matters.
• As far as legal work is concerned, I translate affidavits, wills, prenuptial agreements, civil partnership pacts, divorce decrees, parenting orders, contracts (tenancy, sale, employment), Powers of Attorney and various documents to be used in judicial proceedings.

Translation Services

Fields

Personal, legal, judicial documents, early education, health, aged care

Personal Documents

Legal Documents

Wills
Affidavits
Prenuptial agreements
Civil partnership pacts
Divorce decrees
Parenting orders
Contracts (tenancy, sale, employment)
Powers of Attorney

FAQs

Are you a NAATI certified translator?
Yes, I am certified to translate in both directions, French into English and English into French. I am also on the official list of translators of the French Embassy in Canberra.

Can I check your credentials?
Yes. Enter my NAATI number (CPN2HP19R) under the “Verify a credential” tool on the NAATI website homepage (naati.com.au).

Will your translation bear the NAATI stamp?
Yes, it will as well as my certification and signature.

How long have you been a translator?
Since 2007.

How much do you charge?
There is no set price and my fee is calculated according to various factors. I first have to see the documents, even the standard ones such as birth certificates, driving licences or police checks. Non-standard documents will vary according to their length, complexity of formatting, language and subject matter. After receiving the documents, I will send you a free quote within 24 hours. My fees are considered reasonable for high quality work.

Is there an extra charge for urgent work?
This is rare and it will be negotiated with you. With short documents I often do the work within 24 to 48 hours at no extra charge.

How do I pay you?
If you accept my quote, I will send you an invoice with my banking details so you can transfer the money. I request proof of payment (either actual transfer or screenshot of the transaction) before I forward the work to you.

Can I pay from a French account?
Yes, you can but let me know in advance as the banking details you will need are slightly different from the ones needed for an Australian account.

How long do I have before I pay?
I request proof of payment (either transfer or screenshot of the transaction) before I forward the work to you. If you have not yet paid when I have completed the work, I contact you to let you know it’s ready.

How long does it take for you to translate documents?
With short documents I often do the work within 24 to 48 hours. For longer assignments, I will ask for your deadline and let you know how long I would need.

Can I have an electronic copy?
You can have both electronic and hard copy.

Can I have a hard copy?
You can have one hard copy posted to you at no extra cost.

Do you need to see the original?
Unless the authorities request it, I don’t need to see the original and a scan is sufficient.

How do I send my documents to you?
Preferably a PDF scan. Or a good quality JPG if you don’t have a scanner. Never send an original through the post.

Do my documents need to be certified by a JP?
Only if the authorities requesting the translation have told you so. Organise the JP certification before you send me the documents.

Do I need to have an apostille translated?
Yes, and it will be charged as a separate document.

How long is your translation valid for?
For ever. There is a “Valid To” date on the NAATI stamp which relates to the period of validity of my translator’s current credentials. The translation itself is valid indefinitely if the translation date is within the period of validity for the credential (translators must renew their certification every three years).

Reviews

Laurent C, Law Firm Principal

Françoise provided my clients with very professional, accurate and relevant translations for a range of documents. She also went above & beyond to respect precise complex instructions. It was a pleasure working with her and I would wholeheartedly recommend to use her translation services.

Valentine C, private client

Francoise was very responsive and friendly and provided a translation of my documents in no time for a very reasonable price. Highly recommended! Thank you, Francoise!

Christiane S, Private client

Efficient Service. Quick and accurate. I highly recommend Francoise.

AR, Head of Translating Agency

I have worked with Francoise for 2 years for interpreting and translation projects. The service is exceptional, professional and fast. Strongly recommend!

FM, private client

Merci pour votre travail, j’ai bien reçu et revu tous les documents, c’est parfait. Merci encore pour votre professionalisme, c’est toujours un plaisir de travailler avec vous.

Contact

Any other questions, click on my email address below.

francoisematthews16@yahoo.com.au

0432 398 817
02 9043 2941