How Much Does a Process Server Cost in the UK?

Process server fees: what you are paying for

Process serving fees vary from firm to firm, and because process serving is an unregulated industry in the UK, price should never be the only thing you compare. We quote every job individually at a fixed fee, with no hidden extras, and send your quote within the hour during office hours. This guide explains what affects the price and what else to check before you instruct anyone.

 

What affects the cost of a process server?

• Urgency. Same-day or next-day service costs more than a standard first attendance within a few working days.

• Number of attendances. Some firms charge per visit. Ours includes up to 3 attendances.

• Out-of-hours visits. Evening and weekend visits are often the best chance of finding someone in. We include at least one as standard.

• Location. Rural and remote addresses can cost more with firms that do not have local agents. We have a nationwide network.

• Tracing. If you do not have a current address, a trace will be needed first.

• Document type. Some documents, such as injunctions or non-molestation orders, need extra care and specific steps.

 

Price is not the only thing to check

Anyone can call themselves a process server in the UK. There is no licence or regulator, so the cheapest quote can turn out to be the most expensive if service is challenged and has to be done again. Before you instruct a firm, check:

• Insurance. Do they hold professional indemnity insurance?

• Industry membership. Are they members of a recognised body such as the Association of British Investigators (ABI)?

• Reputation. Can you see genuine reviews and testimonials from solicitors and clients?

• Experience. How long have they been in business, and do they serve the type of document you need?

• Proof of service. Will they provide a clear, court-ready statement of service?

ASH (UK) Process Servers has been serving legal papers since 2003, holds full professional indemnity insurance and is a member of the Association of British Investigators.

 

What our fixed fee includes

• Up to 3 attendances

• At least one out-of-hours attendance

• An update after every attendance

• A fixed-format statement of service

• A written quote within the hour during office hours

 

Our service levels

• Standard Service: first attendance within 3 working days

• Urgent Service: attendance can be arranged with as little as half an hour’s notice

• International Service: timescales vary by country

 

Is it cheaper to serve papers myself?

Sometimes, but many documents cannot be served by a party to the case, and you would still need to prove service if it is disputed. A failed or challenged service usually costs more in delay and re-service than a process server's fee.