Rules relating to the service of documents are contained in Part 6 of the Civil Procedure Rules (www.justice.gov.uk)
and you should refer to the rules for information.
Calculation of deemed day of service of a claim
A claim form served within the UK in accordance with Part 6 of the Civil Procedure rules is deemed to be served on
the second business day after the claimant has completed the steps required by CPR 7.5(1).
Calculation of the deemed day of service of documents other than the claim form (CPR 6.26)
Method of service Deemed day of service
First class post or other service which
provides for delivery on the next
business day
The second day after it was posted, left with, delivered to or collected by the
relevant service provider provided that day is a business day; or if not, the next
business day after that day
Document exchange
The second day after it was left with, delivered to or collected by the relevant
service provider provided that day is a business day; or if not, the next business
day after that day
Delivering the document to or
leaving it at a permitted address
If it is delivered to or left at the permitted address on a business day before
4.30pm, on that day; or in any other case, on the next business day after that day
Fax
If the transmission of the fax is completed on a business day before 4.30pm, on
that day; or in any other case, on the next business day after the day on which
it was transmitted
Other electronic method
If the email or other electronic transmission is sent on a business day before
4.30pm, on that day; or in any other case, on the next business day after the
day on which it was sent
Personal service
If the document is served personally before 4.30pm on a business day, it is
served on that day; or in any other case, on the next business day after that day
In this context 'business day' means any day except Saturday, Sunday or a bank holiday; (under the Banking and Financial
Dealings Act 1971 in the part of the UK where service is to take place) includes Good Friday and Christmas Day.