HOW TO SERVE LEGAL PAPERS IN SAN MARINO

This article will provide guidance regarding the San Marino Process Service. On the Adriatic side of central Italy, between Emilia-Romagna and the Marche region, San Marino is a tiny republic encircled by the Republic of Italy. It was the world’s smallest republic until Nauru gained its independence in 1968, making it the third-tiniest sovereign state in Europe after Vatican City and Monaco. Click here for How the Hague Convention Simplifies International Process Service.

International Process Service

A parliamentary system of governance is established by the San Marino constitution, which dates back to the Statutes of 1600. Sixty adult residents serve on the Great and General Council (Parliament), which elects its members every five years. Two captains regents (capitani reagents), chosen every six months, occupy office during that term and cannot be reelected until three years have expired. In the Great and General Council, the chiefs of state and administration are the captains regent. The Great and General Council appoints the ten members of the Congress of State, a council of ministers, as the primary instrument of administrative authority. Each council member is in charge of a certain ministry. Click Here for information on the Code of Civil Procedure in San Marino

The captain’s regent serves as both head of state and head of government of San Marino, which is governed by a multi-party democracy with a parliamentary form of representation. The government wields executive authority. Both the government and the Grand and General Council have legislative authority. Judiciary is a separate branch of government from the executive and legislative branches.

BACKGROUND

The Grand and General Council serves as the republic’s legislative body (Consiglio grande e generale). There are sixty members of the council, which is a one-chamber legislature. All nine administrative districts have proportional representation elections every five years. These townships (districts) are the modern equivalents of the Republic’s historic parishes. Voting is open to everyone over the age of eighteen who is a legal resident. Click Here for Frequently Asked Questions About Process Servers!

It is the Grand and General Council that approves the budget and nominates the governor-elect, the ten secretaries of the State Congress, the Council of Twelve, the Advisory Commissions, and the Government Unions, in addition to enacting general laws. Ratification of international agreements is another function of the council. New legislation is examined, proposed, and debated by the council’s Advisory Commissions, each of which is comprised of fifteen councilors. These commissions then offer their findings to the whole council.

Heads of state are elected every six months by the council. Captains from opposing parties are selected to maintain a level of power. For six months, they’re in charge. The captain’s regent is sworn in on April 1 and October 1 of each year. Citizens have three days to complain about the captains’ actions from the end of this term. Judicial procedures against the ex-heads of state may be started if they merit it.

The Roman Republic established the habit of having two state leaders, the consuls, who were elected at regular intervals. The Roman Senate and the Roman consuls are analogous to the council and the captain’s regent. As Roman sovereignty in the region ended, it is assumed that the people of the area formed a primitive government to defend themselves against foreign domination.

The Republic of San Marino is a multi-party democracy. Since the new election law raised the bar for small parties to enter parliament in 2008 and caused two alliances between political parties: one led by the San Marino Christian Democratic Party, which is right-wing, and the other by the party of socialists and democrats (PSD), which is a merger of the Socialist Party of San Marino and the former communist Party of Democrats). 

There have been fifteen female rulers of the state, including three who have served twice throughout San Marino’s history. While the Order of Lawyers and Notaries of the Republic of San Marino (Ordine degli Avvocati e Notai della Repubblica di San Marino) exists, there is no clear evidence of how demographic groupings have performed in the legal area.

PROCESS SERVICE IN SAN MARINO

To exercise jurisdiction over another party (such as a defendant), court, or administrative body, ‘San Marino Process Service’ is used to provide adequate notice of an initial legal San Marino Process Service action to such parties, bodies, or tribunals (such as a defendant). A process server serves the person on whose notice is to be served by delivering a set of court papers (referred to as ‘ San Marino Process Service ‘) to the person on whom notice is to be served. Click here for information on How Rush Process Service Can Expedite Your Case

On November 15, 1965, the Hague Conference on Private International Law ratified the Hague Service Convention, a multilateral convention signed by member nations of the Hague Conference on Private International Law. An effective and trustworthy method of serving papers to parties in other countries was the reason for its creation. The convention’s requirements apply to serving San Marino Process Service in civil and commercial issues but not in criminal cases. It also does not apply if they don’t know who they are serving the San Marino Process Service paper on since it would violate the Convention.

According to Article 5(1) of the Convention, a legalized and attested translation in Italian is required for service sought under the Convention’s Article 5(1). Including the time it takes to ship, the San Marino Process Service papers would be typically completed in four to six weeks. The costs proceeding from each request for San Marino Process Service in accordance with Article 5(1)(a)(b) have to be paid in advance in the amount of fifty Euros.

The Hague Service Convention made it easier for parties to serve each other in other contracting nations by establishing a simpler process. Each contracting state has a central body responsible for accepting San Marino Process Service requests. Requests for service from a judicial official who is authorized to serve San Marino Process Service in the state of origin may be made by sending them directly to the state’s central authority. The recipient state’s central authority handles requests for San Marino Process Service, generally via a local court, after receiving the request. The central authority delivers a certificate of service to the judicial officer who requested it after service has been completed and verified.

Given its modest area and population, it is not unexpected that most of the business done in the Republic has an Italian connection. As a matter of fact, Italian courts are often called upon to adjudicate conflicts between enterprises domiciled in Italy and San Marino.

CROSS BORDER PROCESS SERVICE

The cross-border San Marino Process Service of the document initiating the proceedings, among other things, arises in this situation. Since 2002, San Marino has been a signatory to the Hague Service Convention of 1965. In addition to the United States, Italy is a signatory to the Geneva Convention. In Italy, at least, the implementation of the Convention is proving to be difficult. Click here for information on How Service of Process Ensures A Solid Foundation.

 Indeed, Article 10(a) of the Convention states that the Convention ‘must not interfere’ with ‘the right to deliver judicial papers directly to people overseas’ provided that ‘the State of destination does not object’ to the procedure. San Marino Process Service on a Sammarinese defendant in Italian proceedings may only be accomplished in accordance with Articles 3 to 6 of the Convention, i.e., by submitting a San Marino Process Service request that follows the model attached to the Convention and is then transmitted to the Sammarinese Central authority.

During San Marino’s admission to the Convention, the Government of San Marino published two independent documents – an instrument of accession and the declarations that went along with it. In contrast, although the first was drafted as legislation, the second was only an executive order. On the basis of its form, the Supreme Court characterized the latter as an act that could not alter the application of the convention (‘un atto inidoneo a ridurre l’ambito di applicazione alla predetta Convenzione‘).

INTERNATIONAL LETTERS ROGATORY FROM ABROAD

As long as the requester sends in the necessary paperwork, San Marino will serve the writs and records of court rulings. San Marino’s Law Commissioner may direct service to be carried out in accordance with domestic legislation or in a specific way prescribed by the law of San Marino if requested by the requester state. Click here for information on How Process Servers Protect Your Rights: Myths Debunked

A San Marino Process Service receipt signed by the person served or a statement by the Republic of San Marino declaring that San Marino Process Service has been performed and specifying the form and date of service is an acceptable form of proof of service. These San Marino Process Service papers are to be submitted to the requesting state, either one or the other. San Marino must disclose whether service was performed in line with its own legislation if requested by the requesting State. When a San Marino Process Service request is denied, the Law Commissioner will explain why to the requesting state as soon as possible.

A person being prosecuted is issued with a summons. At least 40 days before the scheduled appearance, the competent authority of the Republic of San Marino must be notified of a summons to appear for a prosecuted person who is on its territory.

Parties must cooperate with San Marino Process Service requests from the Court for assistance in regard to investigations or prosecutions in line with the requirements of this Part and processes under national law. This concerns the records and documents, including official records and documents, service of papers, judicial documents, and supply of records and materials.

The propriety of the forms used by the authorities of another state in their international dealings is not a matter for the courts of one state. In the case of a multilateral international treaty, such as the Hague Service Convention, this is much more true.

Examining to see whether the signature or any instrument, notification, or communication relating to the treaty is in the due and proper form’ and ‘informing parties and States entitled to join the treaty of acts, notifications, and communications are among the duties of the depositary as set forth of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. Individual reviews of a State’s declarations by the other Contracting States would defeat the purpose of the depositary and jeopardize its benefits.

OUR PROCESS

Documents can be faxed at (800) 296-0115, emailed ps@undisputedlegal.com, or uploaded to our website. We do require prepayment and accept all major credit and debit cards. Once payment is processed, your sales receipt is immediately emailed for your records.

Drop-offs must call and make an appointment first to be added to building security to permit access to our office. Documents for service must be in a sealed envelope with payment in the form of a money order or attorney check (WE DO NOT ACCEPT CASH) payable to UNDISPUTED LEGAL INC.; All documents will be received by our receptionist.

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INTERNATIONAL COVERAGE AREAS:

Albania | Andorra | Anguilla | Antigua | Argentina | Armenia | Australia | Austria | Azerbaijan | Bahamas | Barbados | Belarus | Belgium | Belize | Bermuda | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Botswana | Brazil | British Honduras | British Virgin Islands | Bulgaria | Canada | Cayman Islands | Central and Southern Line Islands | Chile|China (Macao) | China People’s Republic | Colombia | Costa Rica | Country of Georgia | Croatia | Cyprus | Czech Republic | Denmark | Dominican Republic | Ecuador | Egypt | Estonia | Falkland Islands and Dependences | Fiji | Finland | France | Germany | Gibraltar | Gilbert and Ellice Islands | Greece | Guernsey | Hong Kong | Hungary | Iceland | India | Ireland | Isle of Man | Israel | Italy | Jamaica | Japan | Jersey Channel Islands | Jordan | Kazakhstan | Korea | Kuwait | Latvia | Lithuania | Luxembourg| Malawi | Malaysia | Malta | Mauritius | Mexico| MonacoMontenegro | Montserrat | Morocco | Namibia | Netherlands | New Zealand |Nicaragua | Norway | Pakistan | Panama | Paraguay | Peru | Philippines | Pitcairn |Poland| Portugal | Republic of Moldova | Republic of North Macedonia | Romania |Russian Federation | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | San Marino | Saudi Arabia | Serbia | Seychelles | Singapore| Slovakia | Slovenia | South Africa | Spain | Sri Lanka | St. Helena and Dependencies | St. Lucia | Sweden | Switzerland | Taiwan | Thailand | Tunisia | Turkey | Turks and Caicos Islands| UkraineUnited Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | Uruguay | US Virgin Islands | Uzbekistan | Venezuela | Vietnam

OFFICE LOCATIONS

New York: (212) 203-8001 – 590 Madison Avenue, 21st Floor, New York, New York 10022
Brooklyn: (347) 983-5436 – 300 Cadman Plaza West, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, New York 11201
Queens: (646) 357-3005 – 118-35 Queens Blvd, Suite 400, Forest Hills, New York 11375
Long Island: (516) 208-4577 – 626 RXR Plaza, 6th Floor, Uniondale, New York 11556
Westchester: (914) 414-0877 – 50 Main Street, 10th Floor, White Plains, New York 10606
Connecticut: (203) 489-2940 – 500 West Putnam Avenue, Suite 400, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830
New Jersey: (201) 630-0114 – 101 Hudson Street, 21 Floor, Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
Washington DC: (202) 655-4450 – 2200 Pennsylvania Avenue, 4 Fl East, Washington DC 20037

Simply pick up the phone and call Toll-Free (800) 774-6922 or click the service you want to purchase. Our dedicated team of professionals is ready to assist you. We can handle all your process service needs; no job is too small or too large!

Contact us for more information about our process serving agency. We are ready to provide service of process to all of our clients globally from our offices in New York, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Westchester, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Washington D.C.

“Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives”– Foster, William A

Sources

1. The Arengo, originally composed of the heads of each family in San Marino, served as the country’s first head of state. In the 13th century, the Grand and General Council was granted authority. The council selected the first two reagents in 1243. To this day, the council elects a new Captain Regent every six months.

2. According to the Statutes of 1600, the foundation of San Marino’s constitution, the Statutes of 1600 are the oldest documented governmental texts currently in use.

3. San Marino is divided into the following nine municipalities, known locally as Castelli (meaning ‘castles’):

San Marino (City of San Marino, officially Città di San Marino) is the capital.

There are also eight minor municipalities:

Acquaviva

Borgo Maggiore

Chiesanuova

Domagnano

Faetano

Fiorentino

Montegiardino

Serravalle

The largest settlement of the Republic is Dogana, which is not an autonomous Castello but rather belongs to the Castello of Serravalle. Similar to an Italian comune, each Castello includes the main settlement, called apology, which is the seat of the Castello, and some even smaller localities known as frazioni.

4. Mirko Tomassoni was chosen captain regent on October 1, 2007, making him the first handicapped person elected to the position.

5. The Pact for San Marino won the 2008 general election with thirty-five seats in the Grand and General Council, while Reforms and Freedom had twenty-five.

6. Paolo Rondelli, 58, was chosen as one of the two captains regent, the country’s heads of state, on April 1, 2022. He served as Ambassador to the United States before becoming the first out homosexual head of state in the world. 

7. Address: The Single Court of the Republic of San Marino

Via XXVIII Luglio n. 194

47893 BORGO MAGGIORE (RSM)

Repubblica di San Marino

Telephone: + 378 0549 – 882632

+ 378 0549 – 882646

Fax: + 378 0549 – 882644

E-mail: aia.tribunale@pa.sm

General website:  

Contact person: Dott.ssa Valeria Venerucci

8. Methods of service

(Art. 5(1)(2)): Formal service (Art. 5(1)(a))

On the other hand, formal service under Article 5(1) of the Convention is the only permissible. The original document must be served, and any attachments thereto have been prepared in Italian or have otherwise been translated into Italian.

Translation requirements

(Art. 5(3)): Service requested within the meaning of Article 5(1) of the Convention requires that all documents to be served must be prepared in Italian or that a legalized and sworn translation in Italian be attached thereto.

Costs relating to the execution of the request for service

(Art. 12):

The payment of service costs should be made to:

Ufficio Registro e Ipoteche della Repubblica di San Marino

Via 28 Luglio n. 196

47893 Borgo Maggiore

Repubblica di San Marino

SWIFT CODE: ICSMSMSMXXX

IBAN SM44 A032 2509 8000 0001 0005 403 

Copy of payment should be attached to the documents.

9. The Italian Supreme Court declared on January 29th, 2019 (No. 2482) that the aforementioned declaration might (and should) be ignored. A Sammarinese corporation was really served by post in that matter, and it was found to be legal and effective in all areas

 
10. Art. 19 (Service of writs and records of judicial decisions)

11. Forwarding authorities (Art. 3(1)): The Single Court of the Republic of San Marino (representing Judicial authorities and those that have jurisdictional functions)

12. That’s not to say that it doesn’t matter what kind of statements are submitted, as long as they’re in the right form for the convention’s depositary (the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

13. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs seems to have received and registered the Sammarinese statement. There have been no diplomatic complaints or statements about such proclamation.

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