Guide to Process Serving

What is a Process Server?

The simple answer is “A person who delivers legal documents”.

To answer that question properly however perhaps the first question to answer is what is Process?

Generally, this is the legal documents issued by a court or solicitor in legal actions.

The person that delivers this process is known as a process server.

Different countries have different rules about who can do this task or service.

Each country has rules about how this can be achieved. For example personal service on an individual or company or postal service. Also, the time limits for when this needs to be affected.

Finally each country and even type of process has different rules about what proof of service is required. For instance, some process requires a certificate of service some requires an affidavit.

History of Process Serving

In the England Wales the job was traditionally done by Sheriff’s Officers and Bailiffs. To this date the courts own bailiff service, the county bailiffs serve some forms of process.

In most countries around the world the task is still completed by bailiffs and sheriff’s officers, and in some EU countries it is the Huissier de justice.

Over the years this task has been done by private investigators and debt recovery agents.

What is the process service that Quality Bailiffs provides?

Quality Bailiffs provide a complete managed process serving service across all of England and Wales for all types of process. We are Authorised High Court Enforcement Officers, Certificated Enforcement Agents and have a highly experienced network of process servers available on short notice.

Our company operate our process serving throughout England and Wales from local 18 offices. We do Statutory Demands, Bankruptcy Petitions, Order to attend court for questioning, Break notices, Charging orders, Family orders including Non Molestation orders, Injunctions, Claims forms, Summons, and many more.

Accreditations

Quality Bailiffs 3 main directors are full members of the Association of British Investigators. Membership of The Association of British Investigators gives you peace of mind regarding our professionalism and quality. We are required to provide clear Criminal Record checks every 2 years, hold professional indemnity insurance, be qualified and have a rigorous complaints policy, and registered with the Information Commissioners Office.

The company holds ISO 9001, Safe Contractor accreditation, CHAS and GDPR Check & Verify Register.

Conclusion

Process serving in England & Wales is an essential part of the function of the legal process. Having this done quickly and professionally ensures defendants and respondents are notified of the legal proceedings and can engage in the legal process.

All our Process servers are on our approved contractors list and must meet our requirements to ensure that the process is served in accordance with the rules set out in the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR).

We can help

Quality Bailiffs has over twenty five years of experience in Process serving, Investigations and Enforcement.

About the author

This article was written by Andrew Coates, Authorised High Court Enforcement Officer and full member of The High Court Enforcement Officers Association, and current CEO of Quality Bailiffs.

Andy has a Level 4 diploma in High Court Enforcement, and over twenty five years of experience in the bailiff and investigation industry. He is a former governing council member of both CIVEA and ABI.

This article does not constitute receiving professional advice legal or otherwise and is meant for educational purposes only. All information is provided in good faith and is used at the user’s own risk. Enforcement Bailiffs Ltd, or its employees, are not qualified or insured to give legal advice and all clients should satisfy themselves of their own legal position before using or proceeding with any of the suggestions, strategies or procedures contained in this guide, and before instructing us.

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