Home > Terms > English, UK (UE) > Service

Delivering a copy of a legal document to the person on the other side of your case. There are strict rules about how to serve different kinds of documents. For instance, the summons and complaint must be served by process server or certified mail/restricted delivery/return receipt, and all other documents in your case must be served by first class mail or hand delivered. You must tell the judge in writing how and when you gave a copy to the other side. This is called a certificate of service (or a proof of service for the summons and complaint). If there is no certificate of service, the judge will not read your documents until you serve the other side. If the other side is represented by a lawyer, you must send or give the copies to the lawyer. If you are having trouble locating the other person, you might find our Tips on Locating People helpful. For more information about how to serve someone, visit the service section.