Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Related legal acts

Key definition

Serving definition

What does Serving mean? In legal practice, serving means taking the steps required to effect service of a document so it is treated as given to the recipient (for example a claim form, notice, order or pleading) and time limits start to run. The term is descriptive rather than fixed; its meaning depends on the governing rule or instrument. In Ageas (UK) Ltd v Kwik‑Fit (gb) Ltd [2013] EWHC 3271 (QB) at [54], the court noted that “serving” can bear different meanings—dispatch, receipt, or a deemed date—so context and any deemed‑service provisions must be checked. Across England and Wales (CPR Part 6),...

Witness statements—service, exchange and late service: CPR 32.10, extensions and relief from sanctions (England and Wales) (archived)

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Practice notes

ARCHIVED: This archived Practice Note explores service of witness statements, addressing when and how to file and serve factual witness evidence, including simultaneous exchange and methods of service. Timing is examined in detail, in particular including the sanction for non-compliance under CPR 32.10, how to seek an extension of time and the available steps you can take when you have breached your obligation (such as applying for permission to rely on a witness’s oral evidence where the statement was served late and/or seeking relief from sanctions). Practical steps on how to avoid default are also provided and explained. It is not maintained and is for background information only. For guidance on the court’s powers to make orders for the exchange of witness statements, see Practice Note: Courts’ power to manage factual evidence.

Serving witness statements

If you intend to rely on witness evidence, it must be contained in a witness statement, which must be served within the time specified by the court (CPR 32.10—see: Failure to serve in time—Rule 32.10 below). A witness statement is a person’s signed, written statement setting out the evidence that they would be permitted to be allowed to give orally (CPR 32.4(1))...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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