HomeInternational Service of Process
Cross-Border Judicial Procedure
Delivering summonses, complaints, and judicial documents to defendants and corporate witnesses in over 195 countries — through Hague Central Authorities, diplomatic Letters Rogatory, and vetted private agents.
International service of process is one of the most technically demanding areas of litigation support. The method that applies to your case depends entirely on whether the destination country is a signatory to the 1965 Hague Service Convention — and even within Hague countries, the rules on translation, permitted methods, and acceptable proof differ jurisdiction by jurisdiction.
We evaluate every matter individually before recommending an approach, confirm the cost and timeline upfront, and handle the entire process through to a court-ready proof of service.
Getting it wrong has real consequences. Using the wrong method of service can result in a default judgment being vacated or a case dismissed for improper service — often after months of delay.
The correct approach depends on the destination country, your court's requirements, and available timelines. Here's how the main methods compare.
| Hague Service ConventionFor 80+ signatory nations | Letters RogatoryFor non-Hague countries | Private Agent / Alt. ServiceWhere courts permit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal basis | Hague Convention, 1965 | FRCP 4(f)(2)(B); 28 U.S.C. § 1781 | FRCP 4(f)(3) court order; domestic law of destination |
| Typical timeline | 2 – 6 months | 6 – 18 months | 2 – 8 weeks |
| Translated docs required? | Usually yes (per Art. 5) | Yes | Varies by country |
| Proof of service | Official Article 6 Certificate | Foreign court certificate | Sworn affidavit / notarised statement |
| Court order needed? | No | No (but State Dept. routing) | Yes — FRCP 4(f)(3) motion |
Timelines are illustrative and depend on the destination country, local court backlogs, and current diplomatic conditions. Contact us for a country-specific estimate.
Every assignment includes the following, regardless of destination country or service method.
We confirm whether the Hague Convention applies, identify the correct Central Authority, and select the fastest permitted method for your jurisdiction.
Where the destination country requires it, we arrange certified translation of all documents into the required language before submission.
For Hague requests, we prepare the standard USM-94 form, compile the document package, and submit it to the Central Authority with all required exhibits.
We follow every assignment through the foreign authority's process and keep you updated at each stage — no silent waiting.
Every completed assignment concludes with an Article 6 Certificate (Hague) or a sworn affidavit executed before a notary, ready to file with your court.
If a Central Authority cannot complete service, we prepare the certificate of non-service and advise on FRCP 4(f)(3) motions for alternative methods.
A clear sequence from receipt of your documents through to proof of service.
Send us the papers to be served along with the defendant's address and your court's deadline. We identify anything missing — translation, extra copies — before we start.
Missing items flagged upfrontWe confirm whether Hague, Letters Rogatory, or private service applies to your destination, provide a written timeline and cost estimate, and begin only once you approve.
Quote and timeline confirmed firstThe Central Authority, diplomatic channel, or our local agent delivers the documents. We track each attempt and update you along the way.
Status updates at every stageYou receive the Article 6 Certificate or sworn affidavit of service — authenticated and court-ready — as soon as the foreign authority returns it.
Court-ready proof includedGather these items before your request and the process will move fastest.
It depends entirely on whether the destination country is a Hague Service Convention signatory. We evaluate this for every matter before recommending a strategy, since using the wrong method can result in a case being dismissed or a judgment being unenforceable.
Efficient Hague jurisdictions often complete service in two to four months. Non-Hague countries requiring Letters Rogatory can take six months to over a year, depending on the country and current diplomatic conditions.
Most non-English-speaking countries require certified translation of the documents to be served. We handle this as part of the filing process wherever it applies.
Yes. We regularly serve foreign corporations, registered agents, and business entities, coordinating with the applicable country's corporate registry and service rules.
The Central Authority will return a certificate of non-service explaining the reason. We can then advise on whether a motion for alternative service under FRCP Rule 4(f)(3) is appropriate in your case.
We handle every stage of the process — from initial filing through to court-ready proof of service.
Tell us about your case and we'll reply with the right route, timing, and a free quote.
