Private
Public
You will learn:
1. What personal service is.
2. How personal service is done.
3. The proof of service form.
1. Background Video
2. Terms
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Personal Service
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Someone (not you) must formally give the starting paperwork to the other named parties in the case.
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Process Server
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The person who delivers the paperwork. It may be
- The County Sherriff,
- A professional process server, or
- Any adult not involved in the case.
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Affidavit
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A type of document that has sworn facts.
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Case Caption
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The boxed information at the top of the 1st page of every form.
3. Who can be a Process Server?
You cannot be the one to deliver the paperwork.
Here are three choices:
1. The Sheriff's Department (fee)
- The fee may be waived if you are a survivor of:
- Domestic violence,
- Sexual assault, or
- Stalking.
- Contact the Sheriff's Department in the county where the party lives.
2. A Private Process Server (fee)
3. Someone Else
- They must be over 18 years old.
- They cannot be involved in the case.
4. Form
Case Type | Form Number |
|---|---|
| Custody | JDF 1414(b): PDF | WORD |
| Divorce, Marriage | JDF 1102(b): PDF | WORD |
| Divorce, Civil Union | JDF 1251(b): PDF | WORD |
| Annulment, Marriage | JDF 1602(b): PDF | WORD |
| Annulment, Civil Union | JDF 1262(b): PDF | WORD |
| Paternity | JDF 1502(b): PDF | WORD |
| Disclaim Paternity | JDF 1515(b): PDF | WORD |
| Foreign Decree | JDF 1222(b): PDF | WORD |
- What do I fill out?
Just fill out the case caption of the Return of Service.
- What do I give the process server?
1. The set of initial paperwork:
- Petition
- Summons, and
- Case Information Sheet.
2. The Return of Service Form
- What will the process server do?
- Formally deliver the paperwork.
- Fill out the Return of Service form.
- Give the complete form back to you.
5. File the Form
File the completed Return of Service by:
- Deliver to the clerk's office, or
- Efile (only available in certain counties).