The term “service of process” refers to the requirement to duly notify a defendant of the initiated litigation with a copy of the complaint in addition to numerous other process documents that notify or compel individuals or business entities to respond in one manner or the other. Proper service of process means the court is certain the defendant is aware of the causes of action filed against them. Service of process is also needed to establish jurisdiction, which can be complicated when a defendant or respondent is located internationally.
There are two basic methods of service in most countries–formal and informal. Formal service refers to service by treaty, such as The Hague Service Convention. Informal service of process refers to service by private process server. Countries vary in which type of service they will allow, so it is important to know your options. First Legal Investigations can handle both formal and informal service of process. Although most service of process tends to be formal, we also coordinate informal service on your behalf. An informal service may take less time, but it lacks the judiciary might of formal service.
Deadlines can be tight with international work, and it may take a substantial amount of time to see process effectuated. Although not all service of process providers can assist you, full-service support firms like First Legal have extensive experience with international service of process. We know which rules and treaties apply where because we have done the job many times before. For example, The Hague Services Convention and the Inter-American Service Convention on Letters Rogatory and Additional Protocol (IACAP) requires that you serve the process in English as well as in the language of the country you are serving in.
At First Legal, we offer the translation services you would need to comply with these requirements. We can help you translate quickly and accurately. Although we can’t prepare the documents for you, we can help you through the process. We will assist in the preparation of your service documents for submission to the Central Authority in Hague member countries. If you are not working within the Hague, we’ll work with the appropriate courts in non-Hague member countries. Furthermore, after you submit your documents, we monitor them. International work is time consuming. First Legal adds value to your work because we ensure everything is accurate and efficient!
To learn more about First Legal’s International Service of Process, contact First Legal Investigations today!
