Process Serving Services.

A process server delivers legal documents and provides the court with independent proof of service. In commercial property disputes, this commonly covers statutory demands, court claim forms, possession and eviction notices, Section 146 notices, and lease-related notices such as break or forfeiture notices. Using an independent server avoids any conflict of interest and secures legally recognised proof that documents were properly delivered.

If a recipient cannot be located, the process is not abandoned. A process server first attempts to trace them through skip tracing – searching public records, corporate filings and known addresses. Once reasonable attempts (due diligence) are documented, the court can authorise an alternative method of service, such as leaving documents at the premises or serving by post. A party who deliberately evades service risks a default judgment against them.

Yes. A process server can serve documents at commercial premises, either by handing them to the named recipient in person or, where that person is unavailable, through substituted service on an authorised manager or agent. Servers may enter public and semi-public areas such as receptions and lobbies, but cannot bypass locked doors or security barriers. Where a security desk blocks access, the attempt is logged and alternative service can follow.

Refusal does not stop the process. If a commercial tenant refuses documents, the process server can complete valid service by leaving them at or near the premises, and will record the refusal, time, date and attempts made as evidence for the court. A tenant who ignores or dodges service does not delay the matter – failure to respond by the deadline can result in a default judgment.

Yes. A process server is one of the most reliable ways to serve a Section 146 notice and obtain independent proof of service. Before serving, the lease should be checked, as some require a specific method under Section 196 of the Law of Property Act 1925. Where there are joint lessees, all must be served. The process server records when, where and how service took place – critical, because undocumented service can undermine the forfeiture process.

Yes. Serving court papers at a company’s registered office is a standard and legally valid method under the Civil Procedure Rules. Because a company is a separate legal entity, documents do not need to reach a named individual – delivery to the registered office is generally sufficient, even if the company does not trade there. Papers may also be served at a principal place of business or on directors at their registered service addresses.

A process server provides a formal statement or certificate of service as evidence that documents were correctly delivered. It records the case details, who was served, the exact date, time and address, and the method used – personal or substituted service. Courts require this proof before a case can proceed, and it prevents a served party from later claiming they never received the documents. Photographic or time-stamped evidence may also be included.

Commercial property documents can usually be served within a few working days, with a first attempt often made within 24 to 48 hours of instruction. Urgent same-day service is frequently possible where the recipient is easily located. Timing depends on the document type and any method specified in the lease – some require recorded delivery or service at the premises.

Yes. Where a tenant or company director has moved or is evading service, a process server can trace them using skip tracing – searching public records, corporate filings, property records and business registers. For directors, this extends to corporate filings and registered offices. If the person still cannot be found, the server can produce evidence of the attempts made, allowing the court to authorise alternative service.