Hague Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents
1965-11-15
1969-02-10
Summary
The Hague Service Convention establishes procedures for serving judicial documents across international borders. It creates a system of Central Authorities in each contracting state responsible for receiving and executing requests for service. The Convention aims to ensure that defendants abroad receive actual and timely notice of proceedings while simplifying the process for litigants.
Parties
U.S. Implementing Legislation
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 4(f)
Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(f)
Incorporates the Hague Service Convention as the primary method for serving process on individuals in foreign countries that are Convention signatories.
Key Cases
Volkswagenwerk AG v. Schlunk, 486 U.S. 694 (1988) — Hague Service Convention applies only when service must be effected abroad
Water Splash, Inc. v. Menon, 581 U.S. 271 (2017) — Convention does not prohibit service by mail if the receiving country permits it