Los Angeles Process Servers Department: Family Law Process Serving for Los Angeles County California

Court Document
Required
One copy of the Summons and Petition, Blank Response any other required
documents
Purpose of Process
The court obtains jurisdiction of the case when the summons and petition is served.
The parties are also restrained from removing minor children and transferring
community property.
Process Server's
Instructions
Specify the name and address of the respondent; indicate any Trial Court Reduction
time period imposed by the court; list all documents to be served. The petitioner’s
attorney or the petitioner (if the petitioner doesn’t have an attorney) must sign and
date the instructions.
Manner of Service
Personal 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
$84.99
Fee
$84.99 or more if served, not found or canceled.
Proof of Service
The Process Server mails a Proof of Service to the petitioner if the summons and
petition are served. If not served, a Not Found/No Service return is mailed to the
petitioner explaining the reason for non-service.

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.

Checklist

fee deposit of $84.99 or more
One copy of the Summons and Petition, Blank Response any other required
documents
Instructions

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Note: If you are in a different state than
California, simply use those required
court forms for your state.