Answers Hub

Straight answers to the questions we are asked most about process serving, tracing and investigations in the UK. Every answer is written and reviewed by Tremark's senior team and updated as the law changes. New questions are added regularly.

Process serving essentials

How much does a process server cost in the UK? Who can serve court papers in the UK? How are court papers served in the UK? How do you serve a court order? What is an enquiry agent? What is a process server? How long does it take to serve court papers? Do you need a licence to be a process server in the UK?

What process servers can and cannot do

Can a process server enter my property? What happens if you refuse to accept served documents? Can a process server leave documents with someone else? Can you be served court papers at work? Can court papers be served on a weekend or bank holiday? How many attempts will a process server make? What happens if you avoid a process server? How do process servers prove service? Do process servers take photos or video?

Methods and validity of service

Is service by email valid in England and Wales? What is deemed service under the CPR? When is a claim form deemed served? Can court documents be served by WhatsApp or social media? What is alternative service under CPR 6.15? When is personal service required? What is a certificate of service (form N215)? What is an affidavit of service and when is one needed? What is the 4.30pm rule for serving documents? Can proceedings be served on a company's registered office?

Serving divorce papers

How are divorce papers served in the UK? Who can serve divorce papers? Can I serve divorce papers on my spouse myself? Do divorce papers have to be served in person? How long does it take for divorce papers to be served? Can divorce papers be served by email or post? What happens after divorce papers are served? How much does it cost to serve divorce papers?

Statutory demands and insolvency

What is the minimum amount for a statutory demand? How is a statutory demand served? How much does it cost to serve a statutory demand? How is a bankruptcy or winding up petition served? What happens after a statutory demand is served? Does a statutory demand have to be served personally?

Tracing and assets

How do you find someone's address in the UK? How can I find out where someone lives? How do you find someone's hidden assets? How do tracing agents find people? What is a pre-sue report? What is an asset inspection? Is tracing someone legal under UK GDPR? What is a no trace no fee service? What does an asset trace report show?

Surveillance

What is the difference between covert and overt surveillance?