1
Check availability
Confirm the court, case type and whether you can start a new case or file into an existing one.
Home › California Filing Guides
California Filing Guides · Service of Process
Process Servers and Service in California
The person who delivers court papers has a different role from the person who files them. Understand the handoff, service record and proof.
As of October 2026 · Official court sources below.
Not legal advice. This guide explains forms and procedures; it does not tell you what to put in your case or calculate your legal deadline.
Your free check
Checking your documents…
Create a free account and Lexary reads every page.
Create a free account
Lexary
Free
01
Service gives the other side notice
California Courts explains service as a specific process for giving court papers to someone else. A professional process server is one option; the basic guide also lists a sheriff or marshal and other adults who meet the rules. Some proceedings have stricter requirements, so the rule for the actual document must be checked.
02
The server’s role
Under the court’s basic service guide, a server is at least 18 and not part of the case. The server delivers papers by an allowed method and deadline, completes the proof and returns it for filing. Personal service and substituted service have different requirements; unsuccessful attempts alone are not completed service.
03
Provide documents and useful location information
The court guide suggests choosing a server near the person’s home or workplace and sharing a photograph, if available, plus useful times and places. Provide the actual papers to be served and any hearing or service deadline. The server’s record should identify what was delivered and the actual date, time, address and recipient.
04
The proof goes back to the court
The applicable proof form depends on the papers and case. POS-010 records service of a civil summons; California Courts’ small-claims instructions identify SC-104. The person who served signs the proof. Legal Hub Group offers process serving in all 50 states and paper filing by request, as well as California e-filing where the live directory permits.
From papers to filing
Check, review and track the court’s answer
Legal Hub Group is a certified e-filing service provider for California courts. Use the live directory for court, case-type and new-case availability.
2
Check the papers
Upload the documents. Review the problems Lexary finds and the current official form and court instructions.
3
Review before submitting
Confirm the case details, document types and each fee. Arrange any separately required service.
4
Keep the court’s answer
Track acceptance or rejection and retain the returned copy and notices. Receipt alone is not acceptance.
$14.99 Legal Hub Group fee per e-filing, plus applicable court and court-system fees. No subscription. E-service is included free where available.
The free check remains available where we cannot e-file. Legal Hub Group also offers paper filing by request and process serving in all 50 states.
Questions
Common questions
Can a party serve their own opening papers?
The official basic guide requires someone else who is at least 18 and not part of the case. Special rules can apply to particular papers.
Is a process server required for every document?
The basic guide lists several possible servers. Some proceedings impose specific requirements. Check the instructions for the document instead of assuming one rule applies everywhere.
Does e-service replace all in-person service?
No. Consent and other legal requirements govern electronic service, and personal-service requirements remain. Filing and service are distinct steps.
Related forms
Not legal advice. This page explains public filing information. It does not tell you what to put in your own case. Legal Hub Group is a certified e-filing service provider for California courts, not a law firm.
Information checked as of October 2026. Rules, form revisions and provider prices can change. The court decides whether to accept a filing.