The Czech Republic ratified the Convention of 15 November 1965 on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Document in Civil or Commercial Matters, also called the Hague Service Convention, on January 28, 1993 though its provisions entered into effect on January 1, 1993.
US attorneys seeking service in the Czech Republic would be wise to familiarize themselves with the mandatory character of the Convention as set forth in Volkswagenwerk, A.G, v. Schlunk, 486 U.S. 694 (1988).
Canadian attorneys should consult provincial precedent. Canadian courts take a more nuanced view of the Convention, but effectively reach the same conclusion: its limitations must be observed.
Regardless of forum requirements, the service rules of the receiving country must be observed, or enforcement of a judgment may become impossible.
