Process Service Help for those Filing Pro SE

Process Service Help for those Filing Pro SE

Advice on Serving Court Documents for those representing themselves without an attorney.

This article provides an overview of Process Service for DIY or PRO SE litigants.   PRO SE LITIGANTS are people involved in a court action but not using an attorney.   This page isn’t legal advice.  Please consult an attorney about your specific situation.

WHAT IS A PROCESS SERVICE?

Service of process is a court requirement that both parties deliver copies of their court documents to the other side.  The delivery of these copies prevents one party from being surprised during the trial and promotes fairness by allowing each side to prepare for their day in court adequately.  In many cases, there are multiple documents at multiple points in time requiring service leading up to and even after the case’s conclusion.  Therefore, it is good to have a good working relationship with your third-party process server when filing Pro Se.

If you have a lawsuit against someone, court documents need to be given to the other party in a precise way called Service of Process.  Your case will not start until all parties have been appropriately and legally served, and the court notified that the service is complete.    In a family law case, other forms are required along with the complaint.  You can find a complete index of all family court forms here.  https://bit.ly/3nWZZi4

Your case may be dismissed if your court documents are not severed properly to the opposing side.  In addition, if the opposing party fails to file their response on time, your case may be dismissed by default.  A default judgment means that the court can grant some or all of the relief you requested.

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