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Under the CPR, a claim form for service out of the jurisdiction has a six month period for service, and the method depends on the destination: through the Hague Service Convention machinery where it applies, through other treaty or government channels, or by any method permitted by the law of the receiving country, including local agents. Permission of the court is needed for many claims before serving out.
CPR 6.36 and 6.37 govern when the court’s permission is required to serve a claim out of the jurisdiction, and CPR 6.40 sets the permitted methods, which always include any method allowed by the law of the country where service is to take place. Where the destination is a Hague Service Convention state, transmission through its central authority is the formal route; elsewhere, service may run through consular channels or, where local law allows, directly through agents on the ground. Choosing the wrong method risks the service being invalid where it matters most, at enforcement.
Formal channel service is slow, commonly months, which is why the rules allow six months for the claim form and why claimants build the timetable around service from the outset. Where the receiving state permits it, direct service through local agents is dramatically faster; where it does not, respecting the formal route protects the judgment later. Our answer on international service timescales sets out typical ranges by route.
Through our international network we arrange service across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australasia, advising on the compliant route for each destination, preparing documents to the receiving country’s requirements including translations where mandated, and returning proof of service in a form the English court will accept. See our international process serving page for coverage.
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This page provides general information about the law and practice in England and Wales and is not legal advice. Rules change and individual circumstances vary; always take advice from a solicitor on your specific situation. Prices shown are indicative, exclusive of VAT and confirmed in writing before any work begins.