The importance of the domicilium clause
The innocuous little domicilium clause. We’ve all signed a contract containing one, whether we noticed it or not. The domicilium clause is a standard clause in most written agreements, which effectively specifies how communications, notices, legal processes and the like are to be served on the receiving party.
Typically, the contract provides for a party to identify a physical address that is nominated as the ‘domicilium citandi et executandi’ – or the address at which the party will accept the service or delivery of official documents related to the contract. Often this clause includes a deeming provision, for example the assumption that the letter will be delivered within eight days after being mailed by registered post. That’s all well and good; until the time comes when a person needs to serve something really important on the other party. Like a termination notice, demand letter or summons. That’s when things can fall apart. For example: