Process services for summons and complaints Los Angeles CA

Superior Summons and Complaints and District Summons and Complaints from all United States | Contact Us

Court Document 
Required
Two copies of Summons and Complaint SUM-100 for evictions 
use form SUM-130 any Statement of Damages, Notice of Case Assignment, Notice of 
Case Management Conference (form CM-100), or Affidavit of Jurisdiction
Purpose of Process
The court obtains jurisdiction of the case when the summons and complaint is 
served
Process Server's 
Instructions
Specify the name and address of the defendant (or agent) to be served; indicate 
any Trial Court Reduction time period imposed by the court; list all documents to be 
served. The plaintiff’s attorney or the plaintiff (if the plaintiff doesn’t have an 
attorney) must sign and date the instructions.
Manner of Service
Personal Service or Substitute Service
Time for Service
Generally, a Summons must be served within three years after it is issued. However, the court 
may require the Summons to be served within a shorter period of time, e.g., 60 days after 
issuance in Los Angeles County
Fee Deposit
$46.20/Defendant 
Fee
$46.20/Defendant or more to start if served, not found or canceled.
Proof of Service
The Process Server mails a Proof of Service to the plaintiff if the summons and 
complaint are served. If not served, a Not Found/No Service return is mailed to the 
plaintiff explaining the reason for non-service.

Information Guide

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.

Checklist

$46.20 or more deposit per person.
Two copies of the Summons and Complaint
Two copies of any other required documents (Statement of Damages, 
Case Assignment, ETC.)
Process Server Instructions

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