Yes, you may contact JPS anytime at Global@JudicialSupport.com or (305) 347-3353. Status inquiries will be responded to within 48 hours.
It is always best to email us directly since we will have to review your file in order to provide the most current update.
Who is the Central Authority?
The Central Authority is that office designated by the Government to process your international request for service.
What is the process to serve a business or individual in a foreign country?
When serving a business or individual in a foreign country — you must first see what treaty applies to that country — Hague Convention Treaty or Inter-American Convention. If the country is not part of any treaty then you will need to go through the U.S. State Department. This process is what we refer to as “formal method”.
An informal method will be to use a local process server in that country or to fed/ex or mail the legal documents abroad. We do not recommend “informal” service of process unless your Judge specifically has approved it in advance. Also, “informal” service should never be used in the event you will want to collect on the monetary judgment entered in your favor.
Additional questions on this subject should be referred to an attorney.
What documents do I need?
When serving legal documents abroad — generally the attorney or pro se litigant will file a package of documents with the Court. This exact same set of documents is served abroad.
Why do I need to translate my documents?
Even if the defendant speaks English you still need to translate the documents in order for the Central Authority to review the documentation in their own language. If the documents are not translated then the Central Authority will return the entire package and you begin the process again once the documents have been translated. This will delay the entire process.
Do I need to translate my documents?
When serving documents in another country you must translate those pleadings into the official language of that country. Even if the defendant speaks English you still need to translate the documents in order for the Central Authority to review the documentation in their own language.
What is the cost to serve using Letters of Rogatory using the U.S. State Department?
Our Letters of Rogatory process starts at $750
What is the cost to serve using the Inter-American Convention?
Our Inter-American Convention process starts at $750.00
What is the cost to serve using The Hague Convention?
Our Hague convention process starts at $625.00
How long does it take to serve internationally?
If using The Hague Convention treaty the service of process can take from 1-6 months depending on the country. For example, service of process to England and Canada can take less than 2 months once the documents have reached the Central Authority; service to China can take 4-6 months if not longer.
If using The Inter-American Convention treaty the service of process can take 4-6 months. This process involves the foreign Court and therefore, multiple steps must be taken in order to approve and serve your legal documents.
If using Letters of Rogatory — this route involves the U.S. State Department and the service can take from 6-12 months. There are multiple levels of process and examination by the following departments. For example, DOS -> U.S. Embassy-> Ministry of Foreign Affairs-> Ministry of Justice-> Foreign Court