David Hodson on International Family Law: This Form (A) is not for serving

In many international cases it is customary to arrange for personal service of the divorce petition and accompanying originating documents rather than relying on conventional service from the court. This personal service may be through the Transmitting Agency run by Central Authorities around the world. Most English family court offices are geared up to this although some perhaps many require a special application before the district judge of the day in order to issue expeditiously. This may be to obtain priority in a race to issue under the lis pendens Brussels II Regulation.

It is often advisable to issue the application for financial provision on divorce (Form A) at the same time as the divorce petition. After all many forum disputes are not about the divorce but about the financial outcomes. Getting on with the financial proceedings at the same time as issuing the divorce makes perfect sense is efficient and cost-effective.

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