Civil Process Server Types and Fees
SUMMONS AND PETITION
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Information Guide
A Summons is the process used by the court to obtain jurisdiction in a dissolution, annulment or legal
separation lawsuit. The Summons also includes a temporary restraining order that restrains the parties from
removing minor children and transferring community property.
Due to a large volume of process, allow the Process Server a minimum of two weeks to make a diligent
effort to effect service. Usually, three attempts at service will be made, one of which will be in the evening if
necessary. If the Process Server cannot effect service after three attempts or it is determined that the
respondent does not live or work at the address, a Not Found fee will be assessed and the process
returned to the plaintiff with a Certificate of Not Found/No Service explaining the reason for non-service. If
service is successful, a Proof of Service is mailed to petitioner indicating the date and time of service.
The Process Server provides a cost effective, credible service and successfully serves most defendants.
However, the case is civil in nature and the Process Server cannot utilize criminal investigative tactics such
as stakeouts or computer inquiries (DMV, arrest records, etc.) to serve process. If it is immediately apparent
that the defendant may be evading service, the Process Server will No Service the process, refund the fee
deposit and return the documents to the plaintiff. In this event, the services of a registered process server
or a person over the age of 18 years who is not a party to the action should be considered.
A Summons is the process used by the court to obtain jurisdiction in a dissolution, annulment or legal
separation lawsuit. The Summons also includes a temporary restraining order that restrains the parties from
removing minor children and transferring community property.
Due to a large volume of process, allow the Process Server a minimum of two weeks to make a diligent
effort to effect service. Usually, three attempts at service will be made, one of which will be in the evening if
necessary. If the Process Server cannot effect service after three attempts or it is determined that the
respondent does not live or work at the address, a Not Found fee will be assessed and the process
returned to the plaintiff with a Certificate of Not Found/No Service explaining the reason for non-service. If
service is successful, a Proof of Service is mailed to petitioner indicating the date and time of service.
The Process Server provides a cost effective, credible service and successfully serves most defendants.
However, the case is civil in nature and the Process Server cannot utilize criminal investigative tactics such
as stakeouts or computer inquiries (DMV, arrest records, etc.) to serve process. If it is immediately apparent
that the defendant may be evading service, the Process Server will No Service the process, refund the fee
deposit and return the documents to the plaintiff. In this event, the services of a registered process server
or a person over the age of 18 years who is not a party to the action should be considered.
Checklist
- fee deposit of $35 or more
- One copy of the Summons and Petition, Blank Response any other required documents
- Instructions
Note: If you are in a different state than
California, simply use those required
court forms for your state.
All U.S. States are accepted by PSSLAC
for process server service within
California.
California, simply use those required
court forms for your state.
All U.S. States are accepted by PSSLAC
for process server service within
California.
Orders: (213) 259-6399
