Process serving on the Gold Coast and Northern NSW
Most court proceedings can only move forward once the other side has been properly served. We deliver your documents in line with the court rules and give you the proof you need to show it was done.
- Area
- Gold Coast and Northern NSW
- You receive
- Affidavit of service
- Quote
- Before we start
What we serve
We act for solicitors, businesses, lenders, community organisations and self-represented parties. Typical documents include:
- Claims and statements of claim, and other originating process
- Applications, affidavits, notices of intention to defend and court orders
- Subpoenas and summonses to witnesses
- Statutory demands, notices to creditors and letters of demand
- Family law applications, including divorce applications
- Tenancy, QCAT and other tribunal documents
How personal service works
Where the rules call for personal service, the document must be delivered to the person it is intended for. In Queensland civil proceedings, an originating process generally has to be served personally under the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 (rules 105 and 106). That means identifying the right person, handing over the documents (or leaving them with the person if they refuse to take them) and recording exactly what happened.
Our agents carry photo identification, confirm who they are speaking to before service, and keep detailed notes of every attendance, including the time, the address and what was observed.
Proof of service
Serving the documents is only half the job. A court will usually want evidence that service happened, which is normally an affidavit of service sworn by the person who served. We prepare the affidavit from our field notes so that it states the facts a court needs: who was served, how they were identified, when and where service took place, and what was handed over.
If personal service cannot be achieved after reasonable attempts, we provide a detailed record of those attempts. This is the evidence your solicitor needs to apply to the court for substituted service.
Giving us the right instructions
- Send the documents (a clear PDF is fine) along with any filing details.
- Tell us the recipient’s full name and every address you have for them, including work addresses.
- Include a photo or description if you have one, and anything useful about their routine.
- Tell us your deadline. If time is short, say so when you call.
Frequently asked questions
Can I serve the documents myself?
In some civil matters a party can arrange service themselves, but many people prefer an independent process server because the server can swear an affidavit without any personal interest in the outcome. For divorce applications, you cannot serve your own documents. Check the rules that apply to your matter or ask a solicitor.
What happens if the person is not home?
We attend at different times of day and on different days, and keep a record of each attempt. If service still cannot be effected, your solicitor can use that record to ask the court for another way to serve.
Do you provide an affidavit of service?
Yes. Once documents are served we prepare the affidavit of service for signing, based on the notes taken at the time.
This page is general information about process serving. It is not legal advice. If you are unsure about service requirements in your matter, speak to a solicitor.
Documents to serve?
Call us or send your instructions. We confirm what is needed and quote before we start.