Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about instructing Swift, service fees, tracing and investigations.
For advice on your particular instruction, contact our team.
Process serving
How much does process serving cost?
Our standard service starts from £180. The quotation depends on the location, documents and deadline, with the fee and inclusions confirmed before you instruct us.
Urgent or time-specific attendance is £380, and emergency attendance within 1-2 hours is £480, subject to availability.
Already received a quotation? We may be able to price-match a comparable service. Send us the written quote and we will review it.
What is included in the service fee?
Our usual instruction includes up to three attendance attempts at one address, where reasonably required, progress updates and the appropriate service documentation. If service succeeds on the first attendance, further attempts are unnecessary.
Any additional work or charges are agreed beforehand.
Can you serve several people at the same address?
Yes. We can coordinate service on multiple recipients and provide separate service documentation for each. Pricing is available on request – send us the details and we will provide a tailored quotation.
Can you collect documents from our office?
Yes. Collection can be arranged for an additional agreed fee. Alternatively, you can send documents electronically for printing, with any applicable printing charges confirmed beforehand.
When will your agent attend?
We plan attendances around the information available and the recipient’s likely whereabouts. Early mornings, evenings and weekends can be arranged. Photographs, working hours and known routines can help us target attendance more effectively.
Which areas do you cover?
We are London-based and arrange process serving throughout the UK. International instructions are assessed separately according to the destination and service requirements.
Is successful service guaranteed?
No. A recipient may be absent, have moved or be difficult to locate. We keep you informed and, where service is unsuccessful, can provide a written record of the attempts and enquiries made for you or your legal adviser to consider.
What happens if the recipient refuses the documents?
Our agent records the identification, refusal and how the documents were dealt with. Refusal does not necessarily prevent service, but the appropriate approach depends on the documents and applicable requirements.
We do not treat leaving papers with another person or through a letterbox as automatically sufficient.
Can you attend a workplace or another address?
Yes, where appropriate to the instruction. Please provide the address, any access information and the recipient’s likely availability. We confirm any additional attendance fee before proceeding.
What proof of service will I receive?
We provide the appropriate certificate, statement or affidavit for the instruction. Tell us about any specific court form or sworn-document requirement when enquiring, so we can confirm the reporting and any associated fee.
How do I instruct Swift, and when is payment due?
Send the documents, recipient’s details, full address and deadline. Include a photograph and useful availability information if you have them.
We confirm the scope, fee and payment arrangements before proceeding. Payment is normally required before work begins, unless different terms have been agreed.
People and address tracing
Can you help if I do not have a current address?
Yes. We assess tracing enquiries using the information you already hold. A full name, previous address and date of birth or approximate age can be useful. Please also explain the reason for the trace.
How much does address tracing cost, and how long does it take?
We provide a tailored quotation after reviewing the information and work required. Standard UK tracing normally takes approximately 1-2 weeks; priority enquiries may be available in around two working days, subject to acceptance and availability.
Our service includes assessment of the information supplied and clear written findings. We confirm the scope, charging terms and anticipated timing before proceeding.
Is a successful trace guaranteed?
No. Results depend on the available information and enquiries. We provide written findings and explain relevant limitations. If a suitable address is identified, Swift can also arrange process serving for a separately agreed fee.
Private investigations and asset tracing
What investigation services can Swift arrange?
We assess surveillance, background enquiries, asset investigations and other appropriate investigative work for solicitors, businesses and private clients. Swift coordinates specialist investigators where required and manages the agreed instruction and reporting.
Can you investigate assets, bank accounts or trading platforms?
We can assess enquiries into property, business interests and relevant financial connections, including possible banking or trading-platform relationships.
The proposal explains which enquiries are included and what may realistically be established. Account numbers, sort codes and balances are only reported where lawfully obtainable and sufficiently verified; these details are not guaranteed.
What will the investigation cost, and what report will I receive?
We provide a tailored quotation based on the objective, countries involved and work required. Findings are presented in the agreed structured written report, with supporting material where available.
More extensive banking enquiries can take approximately 6-8 weeks on average. We confirm the anticipated timetable and reporting before proceeding. Tell us at the outset if your solicitor requires the findings for proceedings.
The Preferred Choice For All Your Serving Needs
Upon completion of the service of legal documents, we will provide you with official documentation as proof, including a sworn affidavit, certificate of service, or statement of service.