Many countries require that legal documents be served by a qualified process server, rather than by the parties themselves or by a non-professional service provider. Some of the countries that have these requirements include:
- United States: In the United States, process serving is typically regulated at the state level, and many states require that process servers be licensed or registered with the court. In some states, process servers must also undergo training and certification.
- Canada: In Canada, process servers must be licensed by the province or territory in which they operate. Each province or territory has its own licensing requirements, but in general, process servers must pass a background check, complete a training program, and obtain liability insurance.
- United Kingdom: In the United Kingdom, process servers must be authorized by the court in order to serve legal documents. They must also adhere to strict rules regarding how and when documents can be served.
- Australia: In Australia, process serving is regulated at the state level, and each state has its own requirements for becoming a process server. In general, process servers must pass a background check, complete a training program, and obtain insurance.
- Japan: In Japan, process serving is typically done by attorneys or judicial scriveners, who are licensed professionals with specialized training in legal procedures. Other types of service providers may be permitted to serve documents in some circumstances, but they must be approved by the court.
It is important to note that the requirements for process serving can vary widely from country to country, and it is essential to research the rules and regulations in the specific jurisdiction where service is to take place.