Process Server in Germany

Process Service Network specializes in legal service in Germany and is one of the few firms that handles international service of process and offers competitive rates.  Our job is to cut through the bureaucracy and red tape to get the service completed with as little delay as possible.  We have been in business since 1978 and have developed close working relationships with key individuals in most countries throughout the world.  The founder and CEO of Process Service Network was a Political Science major in college with a focus on international relations and is actively involved in a worldwide organization through which he has developed business and personal relationships in over 80 nations worldwide. He is also an International Circle member of the World Affairs Council and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association (ABA).

Unlike some of our competitors who claim to be experts, we actually are familiar with the laws, customs and current practices in the countries where documents are to be served. With offices in 8 countries, serving major regions around the world, we stay on top of current events and service strategies. Our personal relationships and close dealings with the judicial authorities in the U.S. Department of State and many countries allow us to have a better understanding of their procedures and requirements.

The following is a summary of the methods available for service in Germany as well as a specific proposal for process service. 

FORMAL SERVICE
Many countries are signatories to The Hague Service Convention (treaty) that governs service of process to be effected between participating nations; Germany is one of them. Per this treaty, service in Germany may only be made by this method. Germany considers any other method of service a violation of its sovereignty and will prosecute, both civilly and criminally, for any infringement. Service may be made by formal service through the appropriate Central Authority, which itself arranges for service by methods prescribed in that country.  Documents to be served in accordance with this method must be translated into the official language, German.  The time frame typically ranges from 5 to 6 months due to bureaucratic procedures in Germany (recently 3-4 months).

        Advantage:  Enforceable judgment.
        Disadvantage:  The time frame is generally longer than the informal method.

INFORMAL SERVICE
Private process servers may serve documents in most countries.  However, this method is NOT available in Germany. The German government can file a civil and criminal action against a foreign entity (including the attorney, plaintiff, and process server) that violates the provisions of the Hague Service Convention.

TRANSLATIONS
Most countries require the documents to be translated into the official language of the nation where they are to be served (in this case, German).  We offer translation services at rates quoted below.

RATES

declarations:  We provide formal declarations on the status of service upon request, as required by your court, at no additional charge.  We subscribe to the U.S. Department of State weekly up-dates on international service of process and the Central Intelligence Agency briefings on social conditions abroad and  monitor problems in nations that might affect the completion of the service. Estimated time for completion of service is subject to change depending on current conditions.

WARNING:  Beware of companies that quote suspiciously low rates.  They often come back later with an excuse for an additional charge.  Our rates are firm for one address quoted.  Other companies are actually brokerage firms or website developers, not process service agencies, who farm out assignments to companies that are not knowledgeable or qualified on international service of process.

DISCLAIMER:  The information contained herein is provided for general information only and may not be accurate at the time of service in a particular case or country.  Questions involving specific services should be directed to our office.  Care should be exercised in choosing the method of service (formal/informal) if eventual enforcement of a U.S. judgment is anticipated in the country where the documents are to be served.  No legal advice is intended in the statements contained herein.  Assignments for international service of process are accepted on the basis that the assigning law firm has researched all applicable laws.  Process Service Network and its agents assume no liability for its actions in the course of any phase of the service of process assignment.