Does a Claim, Defence or an Originating Application need to be served by the Sheriff?

There is no requirement that a Claim, Defence or Originating Application be served by the Sheriff. The costs of service by the Sheriff will not usually be recoverable in the action. There are other simpler ways to serve the document. Please see Rules 41 to 43 of the Uniform Civil Rules 2020 for more information on service.

Allowance for travelling expenses incurred by the Sheriff in the service of a document that requires a significant distance to be travelled may incur a fee per kilometre or part of a kilometre, after the first 50 kilometres travelled, see the Civil Court Fees page for more information. An invoice will be issued to the applicant, respondent or solicitor where an allowance for travelling expenses is charged. An allowance for travelling expenses generally applies in rural and regional areas. For more information contact CourtSA Registry Services.