HomeHague Service Convention Requests
Formal International Service
Formal service of judicial documents in signatory nations through designated Foreign Central Authorities — prepared and tracked from initial request to official Article 6 Certificate of Service.
The 1965 Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents establishes a standardised route for transmitting legal papers between the roughly 80 contracting states. Each signatory country designates a Central Authority that receives requests and effects service under its domestic law — replacing the slower diplomatic channels for covered jurisdictions.
When you need to serve a defendant in a Hague country, we prepare the complete request package, handle translation, submit to the correct Central Authority, and track the assignment through to the return of the official certificate.
The Hague route produces an official Article 6 Certificate of Service — the document U.S. courts rely on to confirm that international service was properly effected. Private service in a Hague country without going through the Central Authority may be objected to by the foreign state.
Every assignment includes the following, regardless of destination country or service method.
We confirm whether the destination country has ratified the Convention and identify any reservations it has entered that affect the method of service.
We prepare the standardised request form, compile exhibits, arrange the required certified translation, and submit the complete package to the Central Authority.
Some Hague countries permit faster alternative methods under Article 10 (postal channels, direct service). We know which countries allow them and which have objected.
We monitor each request through the foreign authority's queue and notify you of any delay, request for additional information, or completion.
Once the Central Authority completes service, it issues an official certificate confirming the method and date of delivery — we return this to you ready to file.
If service cannot be completed, we obtain the explanatory certificate 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, the defendant's address, and your filing deadline. We flag translation requirements and confirm the Central Authority before starting.
Requirements confirmed upfrontWe complete the USM-94 form, arrange any certified translation, and assemble the full submission package according to that country's requirements.
Country-specific formattingThe request is transmitted to the foreign Central Authority. We monitor its progress and update you at each stage of the process.
Regular status updatesThe Central Authority issues the Article 6 Certificate confirming service. We forward it to you immediately upon receipt.
Court-ready proof includedHaving these items ready speeds up the submission process.
Timelines vary significantly by country, ranging from a few months in efficient jurisdictions to a year or more in Central Authorities with heavier caseloads. We can give you a realistic estimate once we know the destination country.
No. Only countries that have signed and ratified the Convention are bound by it. For non-signatory countries, service generally proceeds through Letters Rogatory or another available method instead.
Most Central Authorities require documents to be translated into their official language before they will act on a request, though a small number of countries with English as an official or co-official language do not require it. We confirm the specific requirement for your destination country.
If service cannot be completed, the Central Authority returns a certificate explaining why, which can support a request for an alternative method of service under FRCP Rule 4(f)(3) where appropriate.
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.
