Taking Evidence Abroad
> Taking Evidence Abroad
Litigants face an array of challenges when it comes to obtaining evidence abroad. To successfully take evidence abroad, individuals must set clearly defined evidentiary goals and develop an excellent strategy to achieve those goals. At Process Service Network, we understand that not all U.S. attorneys have experience in taking evidence abroad. That’s why we have developed services to help people handle document production procedures, take testimonies from reluctant witnesses who are located abroad, and more.
Introduction to Taking Evidence Abroad
It is important that legal professionals pay attention to different bodies of law, especially when process serving in foreign states. Guidelines for service of process vary by U.S. jurisdiction. You should expect that these rules vary even more greatly by country in terms of the Community of Nations, Receiving State, and the Forum. The Hague Service Convention of 15 November 1965 is a multilateral treaty that governs process service procedures between Member States. In other words, legal professionals must obtain evidence according to the Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters, in countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention.
Taking Evidence Abroad Services | What We Do
Below is a non-exhaustive list of services that Process Service Network provides for obtaining evidence abroad:
- Negotiate with foreign judges on the logistics of deposition hearings
- Handle court reporters and local interpreters
- Track Hague Requests via foreign court systems
- Qualify a counsel to vet Hague Requests and ensure that they are compliant with foreign law
- Gather and organize foreign discovery documents
- Provide advice on anti-fishing policies and blocking statutes
- Provide linguistic support throughout the litigation process
- Accurately translate Hague Requests where necessary
- Arrange for videography and/or verbatim transcription
- Authenticate business and government records
- … and more!
If you need to gather evidence in countries that are not signatories to the HEC, you will need to make a formal request for judicial assistance – a Letter Rogatory. The issue is that these letters are often transmitted through complex diplomatic channels, which expose legal professionals to various errors and omissions. Don’t worry; you can trust the professionals at Process Service Network to successfully request evidence via Letters Rogatory.
Why Choose Process Service Network?
Process Service Network was founded as a process serving company in the LA area. Since our inception in 1978, we have been recognized for our fast, reliable, and competitively priced process services. When it comes to taking evidence abroad, we can formulate requests according to the requirements of foreign courts as well as translate and authenticate legal documents and certification. This way, these documents can be successfully filed in courts and government agencies worldwide. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that we have worked with attorney generals, major law firms, and U.S. government agencies who often gather evidence abroad.
If you have more questions about taking evidence abroad and how our process servers can help, do not hesitate to contact us today.