This Practice Note provides guidance on service of documents in family proceedings outside the Jurisdiction of England and Wales in relation to proceedings that were issued by the court prior to 6 April 2022. It covers service in Scotland or Northern Ireland, service in Hague Service Convention countries and service in all other countries. It explains the time for acknowledging service and requirements for a translation.

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 (DDSA 2020) has been in force since 6 April 2022. Proceedings issued by the court on or after 6 April 2022 are subject to the provisions of DDSA 2020 and the changes to procedure under the amended Family Procedure Rules 2010 (FPR 2010), SI 2010/2955. For further information, see Practice Note: Introduction to the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020. The changes made to the procedure include changes to the rules regarding service. For details of the provisions regarding service of matrimonial and civil partnership applications in proceedings that were issued by the court on or after 6 April