Service of the claim form and other documents: an overview

by Practical Law Dispute Resolution

This Practice Note provides guidance on the key requirements for serving a claim form and other documents within the jurisdiction. It outlines the requirements under CPR 6 and PD 6A as applied in the case law. It explains the permitted methods and places of service, including personal service, first class post and electronic means and details the different requirements for serving individuals, partnerships, and companies under the Companies Act 2006. It highlights the distinction between despatch under CPR 7.5 and deemed service and the significance of each of them and emphasises the serious implications of defective or late service. It addresses practical issues such as obtaining the prospective defendant's solicitor's authority to accept service and, separately, the claimant's options for dealing with obstacles to service, particularly service of the claim form, which include applying for an order for alternative service. The note also discusses the CPRC's July 2025 consultation on the electronic service rules.