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Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at admin@nicarilegal.co.nz if you cannot find an answer to your question.

A Process Server is a person who formally delivers legal documents to someone involved in court proceedings or as otherwise legally required. This ensures the recipient is properly notified, which is often a legal requirement before a matter can proceed in court. 


We commonly serve:

  • Family Court documents (for example Parenting Orders and Protection Orders)
  • District Court and High Court documents
  • Statements of claim and notices of proceedings
  • Applications, affidavits and subpoenas
  • Tribunal and regulatory documents
  • Divorce applications

if you are unsure whether your documents require formal service, please send us an email, admin@nicarilegal.co.nz



We serve documents throughout the wider Auckland region, including residential, business and rural addresses. 


Timeframes depend on urgency, location and whether the person is available, cooperative or evasive.

Typical timeframes:

  • Standard service: 3-7 working days
  • Urgent service: Same day or next working day (where feasible). Additional fees usually apply. 
  • Weekends and public holidays: By arrangement. 

No service can be guaranteed within a fixed timeframe, as success depends on the recipient's availability and conduct. 


If a person is evasive or refuses to answer the door, we will:

  • Make 3 attempts to serve
  • Record detailed observations
  • Provide evidence and an affidavit of failed service if required for court purposes.

If personal service is unsuccessful, you or your lawyer may be able to apply to the court for substituted service or dispensation of service, using our affidavit as supporting evidence. 


We can attempt service using last known address or workplaces. It is helpful to research (safely) prior to requesting service. 


Upon successful service, we provide an acknowledgement of service from the person who is served (provided they cooperate) and a photograph of service which are both exhibits to an affidavit of service. We prepare these documents with oversight from a Barrister to ensure they are court compliant. These documents confirm:

  • Who was served
  • When and where service occurred
  • What documents they were served with
  • How service was effected. 


Affidavits are sworn or affirmed by the process server before a Justice of the Peace, barrister or solicitor, or authorised person, in accordance with New Zealand law. 


Yes. We regularly serve Family Court documents, including:

  • Parenting Orders
  • Protection Orders
  • Without Notice and On Notice applications.

We understand the sensitivity of these matters and conduct service discretely and professionally. Once service is effected, all documents are deleted from our email and system. If service is not able to be effected, our Process Servers securely destroy any documents and they are also deleted from our email and system. 


No. We DO NOT provide legal advice. If you are unsure about what documents need to be served, how they must be served, or court deadlines, you should seek advice from a lawyer or Community Law Centre. 

Our Process Servers also do not discuss any matters with the recipient served. 


We typically require:

  • The documents to be served, emailed ideally as a PDF bundle. 
  • Full name of the person to be served
  • Address(es) and any relevant background
  • Required deadline (if any)

More information generally increases the chance of successful service. For more information see the Nicari Legal Terms and Conditions.


In New Zealand, documents can still be considered served if the Process Server clearly explains what the documents are, for example, legal documents, and leaves them with or near the person. The circumstances will be fully documented in the affidavit provided by Nicari Legal.


Fees depend on:

  • Location
  • Urgency
  • Number of attempts
  • Time taken by the Process Server
  • Complexity of the service

Please contact Nicari Legal at admin@nicarilegal.co.nz for more details on fees and pricing. 



Yes. All instructions and information are handled confidentially and in accordance with our Privacy Policy. 


Improper service can cause court delays or court issues. Using an experienced Process Server reduces this risk. However, the court ultimately determines whether service is valid.


Yes, provided it is lawful and appropriate to do so. We aim to minimise disruption and embarrassment while ensuring valid service. 


No. Individuals, businesses and lawyers may all instruct us directly. However, legal advice is strongly recommended for court matters. 


We do not file court applications, but we can provide supporting affidavits and evidence to assist your lawyer or you (if self-represented) to apply


You can contact us via our website, or preferably by email. Once instructions and documents are received, we will confirm acceptance and next steps. 



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