Court Documents
Process Service
Professional process service support for legal documents, with appropriate documentation of service attempts and outcomes.
Overview
What this service covers
Service is a procedural step that has to be done correctly and, just as importantly, has to be capable of being proved afterwards.
We serve documents on the instruction of advocates and their clients, and record each attempt, successful or not, so that the service record can stand on its own if it is later questioned.
Typical situations
When You May Need This Service
Documents must be served to a fixed timetable
A court deadline governs when service must be effected.
Previous attempts have failed
The party has not been served at the address held.
The whereabouts of the party are uncertain
Service requires a tracing enquiry before it can sensibly be attempted.
The service record must be robust
Service is likely to be disputed, and the record needs to withstand scrutiny.
Scope
What We Investigate
The enquiries below are the ones most often required. Scope is agreed for each instruction, so a file only carries the work it actually needs.
- Service of court documents
- Service of legal notices
- Repeat and out-of-hours attempts
- Address confirmation prior to service
- Tracing in support of service
- Documented proof of service
- Reporting of unsuccessful attempts
Methodology
Our Approach
Each instruction follows the same sequence, so findings can be traced back to how they were established.
Pre-service confirmation
The address is confirmed before attendance where the instruction allows, to avoid wasted attempts.
Attendance
Service is attempted at times reasonably calculated to find the party, including outside working hours where appropriate.
Recording
Each attempt is recorded with date, time, location and an account of what occurred.
Return of service
A completed service record is returned to the instructing party, with an affidavit where one is required.
Output
What You Receive
Reporting is the product. Every instruction closes with a written record that sets out what was established and on what basis.
Proof of service
A record of service effected, with date, time, place and the manner of service.
Affidavit of service
Sworn documentation where the instructing advocate requires it, sworn by the person who attended.
Attempt log
Every attempt, including unsuccessful ones, with what was found on each occasion.
Return of documents
Unserved documents returned with a full account of why service was not effected.
Related
Related Services
Tracing Services
Professional tracing services designed to help establish current contact, location and other relevant information concerning persons of interest.
View service
Legal & Litigation Support
Investigative support for advocates and legal teams requiring factual enquiries, tracing, verification, background investigations and evidence gathering.
View service
Law Firm Investigation Services
Dedicated investigative support for law firms requiring tracing, verification, background checks, field enquiries, process support and litigation-related investigations.
View service
Questions
Frequently Asked
If your question is not answered here, our team can usually give you a direct answer before you commit to anything.
Every attempt is recorded in detail. That record is what supports an application for substituted service, which is a matter for the instructing advocate.
Yes, where required. The affidavit is sworn by the person who actually attended.
Yes. Service is undertaken countrywide, and any travel requirement is confirmed at instruction.
Yes. Tracing and service are often instructed together where the address on file has gone out of date.
Talk to us about Process Service
Tell us what needs to be established. Our team will confirm scope, turnaround and reporting requirements before any work begins.