HAGUE EVIDENCE CONVENTION

The most comprehensive international agreement for the obtaining of evidence internationally in civil and commercial matters is the Hague Convention.

The Hague Convention on the taking of evidence abroad in civil and commercial matters operates in a manner similar to the Hague Convention on service of process, ie. a letter of request is transmitted to the foreign central authority for administration and return.

Unlike the Hague service convention, there is significantly more diversity and reservations by the signatory countries. Many countries object to pre trial discovery in any and all manners while others will not compel document production.

Obtaining evidence under the Hague Convention can often be a time consuming and frustrating endeavor. It takes knowledge and perseverance to complete the process and obtain the materials needed to win.