Service of Documents

What service means

Service of documents is the formal process of delivering court documents to the relevant party so that they receive proper notice of a claim or step. Service underpins fairness, because a party generally must be given notice before the court will act against them. Proof that service has occurred is often required.

The accepted methods of service — and how service must be proven — vary between courts and jurisdictions, and can differ for individuals and businesses. The applicable rules govern what counts as effective service.

Why it matters

Service is significant because many later steps depend on it. For example, a plaintiff usually cannot obtain a default judgment without showing the defendant was properly served. Getting service wrong can cause delay or require steps to be redone, so it is treated as an important procedural requirement.

This is general information only and is not legal advice. Service rules differ across jurisdictions and document types — seek advice on your specific matter.