What Is Service of Process?
When someone sues you or your business, the law says they have to officially serve you with a summons and other relevant legal documents. The summons describes the lawsuit and tells you how long you have to file a response. It might also be a subpoena requiring you to turn over certain records or provide information. Source: https://www.tremark.co.uk/legal-support-clerking/uk-process-agents/
In the United States, every state’s laws require that each business entity — like a corporation, limited liability company (LLC) or partnership — designate a person to accept service of process for any lawsuits filed against it. That person is known as the registered agent for service of process. It’s a very important position, and the agents you select should be reputable and trustworthy.
Process Agents: Key Players in International Legal Affairs
The rules for service of process are very specific, and if you don’t follow the rules exactly it can jeopardize your case. That’s why you want a professional process server, which is typically someone with the right training and experience to handle this delicate work.
Generally, service of process is served personally on the individual unless the law specifically permits another person of suitable age and discretion to receive the papers. Service may be effected by mail in some jurisdictions as well, such as in small claims court procedures.
When serving someone who lives or works out of the country, the rules can get even more complicated. For example, the Hague Convention set a defined process for serving individuals and businesses from other countries. There are now 65 countries that are contracting parties to the Hague Convention.