The court acquires jurisdiction to hear a case when the summons and complaint is served on the defendant.
The Summons advises the defendant to file a written response with the court within a specified time, usually
thirty days. The Complaint describes the nature of the lawsuit.
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 defendant is a natural person, service by substitution may be on the third attempt by
leaving a copy of the summons and complaint with a suitable person at the service address and mailing a
copy to the defendant. If the defendant is an artificial person (corporation, partnership, etc.), substitute
service may be made on the first attempt (due diligence is not required.) The address for service must be
the defendant?s usual place of abode (residence), business or mailing address. If the Process Server cannot
effect service after three attempts or it is determined that the defendant 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 plaintiff indicating the date, time, person served and method 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 Sheriff 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, our services should be considered.
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