What are the two elements of valid service?

What are the two elements of valid service?

• A. The claim form must be served by a lawyer
• B. The claimant must identify the appropriate method of service; complete the steps required of that method
• C. The defendant must acknowledge service; the court must approve
• D. The claim form must be served personally and by post

Answer: (B)

Valid service means you follow the rules for delivering the claim form, and it rests on two clear steps. First, you identify the appropriate method of service for the defendant—consider who the defendant is and where they are located. Second, you complete the steps required by that method—carry out the actual delivery in the prescribed way and follow any time limits or formalities tied to that method, so the service is properly effected. This is why the correct description fits best: it captures both selecting the right method and executing everything required by that method. Service isn’t about who does the serving (a lawyer isn’t mandatory) or about the court approving service, nor does it require serving in multiple ways. As long as the method is appropriate and the steps are followed, service is valid.

Valid service means you follow the rules for delivering the claim form, and it rests on two clear steps. First, you identify the appropriate method of service for the defendant—consider who the defendant is and where they are located. Second, you complete the steps required by that method—carry out the actual delivery in the prescribed way and follow any time limits or formalities tied to that method, so the service is properly effected.

This is why the correct description fits best: it captures both selecting the right method and executing everything required by that method. Service isn’t about who does the serving (a lawyer isn’t mandatory) or about the court approving service, nor does it require serving in multiple ways. As long as the method is appropriate and the steps are followed, service is valid.