Professional invoice templates for process servers billing solicitors and law firms for service of legal documents.
A process server invoice is issued by an independent or company process server to a solicitor, law firm, or party for the professional service of legal documents. Process servers in England and Wales serve court proceedings, injunctions, statutory demands, divorce petitions, and other legal documents on named individuals or organisations, providing sworn affidavits of service as evidence. Process servers may be called upon to serve documents personally (personal service), by post, through a letterbox, or by substituted service where a court permits an alternative method. Each attempted service and every successful service must be documented, and the invoice should reflect the actual work done rather than just the final outcome. Many process servers work in conjunction with enquiry agents or offer skip tracing services to locate evasive respondents before service can be attempted. Mileage, travel time, and waiting time for surveillance-style service attempts are standard billable items. The affidavit of service, which must be sworn before a solicitor or commissioner for oaths, is typically a separate chargeable document.
| Service | Typical Rate | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Personal service (successful) | 90 | serve |
| Attempted service (per attempt) | 45 | attempt |
| Affidavit of service | 35 | document |
| Mileage (per mile) | 0.45 | mile |
| Skip tracing / address enquiry | 120 | subject |
| Surveillance / waiting time | 40 | hour |
Invoice promptly after service is completed or after the final attempt if service was unsuccessful. Solicitors and law firms need the affidavit of service and the invoice together, as both go on the court file or are needed for cost recovery. For multiple service attempts, list each attempt chronologically with the date, time, address attended, and outcome. This detail is important as it forms part of the service record and may need to be exhibited in court if the respondent challenges service. Charge for attempted service as well as successful service. Your time and travel costs are incurred regardless of whether the respondent answers the door. Confirm this policy with instructing solicitors at engagement so there are no disputes over failed attempts. For bulk instructions from law firms processing large volumes of service, negotiate a standing instruction arrangement with agreed rates. Issue weekly or monthly consolidated invoices with a schedule of matters attached. Law firms value reliable process servers who provide consistent documentation.