Service of Documents

There are different rules for service of court documents depending on the place of service. The service requirements fall into 4 categories namely within the UK, within the EU, in a country that is a signatory to the Hague Convention and finally in countries outwith the three areas mentioned. Requirements for service of court documents can be found by clicking on the logos below. If you require to enforce a decree or court order please go to our Enforcement page.


UK Service of Documents

Click on the map on the left for guidance on either

  • Service in Scotland of documents from a court in England, Wales or Northern Ireland or
  • Service in England, Wales or Northern Ireland of documents from a court in Scotland.


Hague Convention

The countries in the list below are signatories to the Hague Convention and the convention rules apply to service in these countries of a Scottish court document or vice versa. Click on the logo on the left for more detail on the Convention and guidance on service requirements.

European Community

There are specific rules for service of court documents between countries in the EU under the Council Regulation 1393/2007. These apply to service of documents in Scotland from an EU court or vice versa. Click on the logo on the left for guidance on service within the EU. The countries the Regulation applies to can be found in the link below


Service in Other Countries

Click on the globe on the left if you wish to effect service in a country not covered by the EU Regulation or the Hague Convention. Service can be from the other country to Scotland or from Scotland to the other country.