Service means bringing documents used in court proceedings to a person's attention. The claim form is the most important of these. This note covers service of the claim form and other documents within the jurisdiction of England and Wales, including methods of service, the address for service, time limits, "despatch" under CPR 7.5 and deemed service.

(For guidance on service outside the jurisdiction, see Practice note, Service of the claim form and other documents: outside the jurisdiction and Practice note, Jurisdiction: the gateways: Common law gateways: New and amended gateways with effect from 1 October 2022.)