Reasons to Use a Process Server in the UK

July 4, 2021 - Reading time: 4 minutes
Updated on: August 7, 2025

When you need legal papers to be served on someone in the UK, employing a process server is crucial to ensure the documents are served correctly and legally.

What is a Process Server?

A professional UK process server is the individual who correctly delivers legal documents to a defendant or recipient. Different court orders and summons categories require specific service rules. UK-trained process servers know these and confirm the correct procedure before serving.

13 Reasons to Use a Process Server in the UK

Here are solid reasons to hire a UK process server to serve legal documents:

1. Ensure legal compliance and correct service
A professional UK process server ensures your service follows the Civil Procedure Rules and court requirements. Incorrect service can lead to case dismissal and wasted time.

2. Expertise in diverse document types
UK process servers understand service requirements for injunctions, statutory demands, divorce petitions, non-molestation orders and more.

3. Impartial and professional handling
Process servers are independent, objective professionals who prevent accusations of bias or improper motive.

4. Email or phone delivery is not valid
Contacting someone by email or phone does not constitute formal service and is not accepted by UK courts.

5. Safe handling of confrontational situations
Process servers are trained to manage hostility, unexpected reactions or difficult environments. They deliver documents calmly, safely and without escalating conflict.

6. Avoid personal confrontation
Handing documents yourself may be distressing or uncomfortable. A process server removes the emotional burden.

7. Some courts require independent serving
Courts often specify that documents must be served by a third party. A professional process server meets this requirement.

8. Expertise in tracing hard-to-find individuals
If the recipient is evasive or has gone off-grid, UK process servers often use professional tracing methods to locate them.

9. Skilled at serving in sensitive locations
Need to serve someone in prison? Process servers are familiar with protocols for serving documents within Her Majesty’s Prison Service.

10. Due diligence and legal professionalism
UK process servers follow correct legal procedures, maintain detailed records and deliver documents in a lawful and professional manner.

11. Legal proof of service provided
They supply a Statement of Service, Certificate of Service or Affidavit that is admissible in court as official proof the documents were served properly.

12. Efficient and traceable delivery
Many UK process servers use GPS tracking and digital tools to provide real-time updates and timestamped proof of delivery.

13. Timely service across the UK and internationally
Professional networks allow process servers to serve documents nationwide and abroad, following proper international protocols when required.

It Makes Sense to Hand Over to Professionals

Serving legal papers can seem straightforward at first, but the reality is that it often involves complex rules, evasive individuals and the need for valid proof of service. It’s usually more efficient and secure to hand the task to trained professionals.

When you hire a UK process server, they will ask for relevant details about the recipient, including any known addresses, contact history and circumstances. That helps them complete the service successfully and within the law.

Learn more about process serving by PrivateInvestigators‑UK.