Common English Mistakes in Court Documents by Spanish Speakers

This page focuses on errors typically made by native Spanish speakers from Mexico when writing a Court Document in English.

Mistake Example #1

Misuse of prepositions ('Married with' instead of 'Married to')

In the matter of the estate of Juan Martinez,who is deceased, it is hereby stated that Maria Lopez, who was married witho the deceased for over twenty years, is the primary beneficiary. The court acknowledges that Maria, residing in Mexico City, was living with Juan at the time of his passing and has been managing the estate affairs sincethen. It is requested that all parties involved in the proceedings be present in court on the specified date to discuss the distribution of assets in accordance with the will.

Text corrected by:
Vince, United States

"Just a few minor tweaks to the writing :) Nice work! "

In the matter of the estate of Juan Martinez, who is deceased, it is hereby stated that Maria Lopez, who was married to the deceased for over twenty years, is the primary beneficiary. The court acknowledges that Maria, residing in Mexico City, was living with Juan at the time of his passing and has been managing the estate affairs since then. It is requested that all parties involved in the proceedings be present in court on the specified date to discuss the distribution of assets in accordance with the will.

In the matter of the estate of Juan Martinez, deceased, it is hereby stated that Maria Lopez, who was married with the deceased for over twenty years, is the primary beneficiary. The court acknowledges that Maria, residing in Mexico City, was living with Juan at the time of his passing and has been managing the estate affairs since. It is requested that all parties involved in the proceedings be present in court on the specified date to discuss the distribution of assets in accordance with the will.

Mistake Example #2

Direct translation of Spanish expressions ('I have 25 years' instead of 'I am 25 years old')

To the Honorable Judge,I present this petition to request the custody of my son. I havem 35 yearsold and I am a responsible parent who always takes care of my family. The situation is urgent because my son needs to live in a stable environment, and. I have the resources to provide him with everything he needs.

Text corrected by:
Jennifer, Detroit, Michigan USA

"Nice job! I just made a few changes so the English will sound more natural."

To the Honorable Judge, I present this petition to request the custody of my son. I am 35 years old and I am a responsible parent who always takes care of my family. The situation is urgent because my son needs to live in a stable environment. I have the resources to provide him with everything he needs.

To the Honorable Judge, I present this petition to request the custody of my son. I have 35 years and I am a responsible parent who always takes care of my family. The situation is urgent because my son needs to live in a stable environment, and I have the resources to provide him with everything he needs.

Mistake Example #3

Overuse of present continuous ('I am going to the school every day' instead of 'I go to school every day')

To the Honorable Judge,.I am writing to informyou that I am representing the client in the case of property dispute. We arebelievinge that the evidence issupportings our claim, and we are requesting the court to consider the new documents we are submitting. I amhopinge that the court isgrantings us a favorable decision in this matter.

Text corrected by:
Miss E., Cyprus, Europe

"I made edits to correct the overuse of present continuous tense: "We are believing that the evidence is supporting our claim" should be "We believe that the evidence supports our claim" and "I am hoping that the court is granting us a favorable decision" should be "I hope that the court grants us a favorable decision"."

To the Honorable Judge,. I am writing to inform you that I am representing the client in the case of property dispute. We believe that the evidence supports our claim, and we are requesting the court to consider the new documents we are submitting. I hope that the court grants us a favorable decision in this matter.

To the Honorable Judge, I am writing to inform that I am representing the client in the case of property dispute. We are believing that the evidence is supporting our claim, and we are requesting the court to consider the new documents we are submitting. I am hoping that the court is granting us a favorable decision in this matter.