How is international service of process typically accomplished?

• A. By sending documents through an international mailbox with no treaties.
• B. Publicly announcing on social platforms.
• C. Through international treaties (e.g., Hague) or other agreed methods, ensuring compliance with both countries' laws.
• D. Only within the defendant's own country.

Answer: (C)

International service of process relies on formal cross-border cooperation rather than informal approaches. It’s typically accomplished through international treaties—most commonly the Hague Service Convention—or other mutually agreed methods that ensure the documents are served in the foreign country in a way that complies with that country’s laws and that the sending court receives valid proof of service. The usual path involves submitting a request to the foreign central authority, which then serves the documents through proper channels and returns a certificate or proof of service. If no treaty applies, courts may use letters rogatory or other agreed channels, but still must respect the foreign country’s procedural rules. Methods like sending documents to an international mailbox or posting on social platforms do not meet proper service requirements, and serving only within the defendant’s own country would not achieve international service.