Process Service Helpful Hints

• Always indicate the last day for service on your Process Form.
  
• Please include an extra copy of the summons for all Superior Court cases. In Washington State Superior Court, all proofs of service (affidavits of service) must be filed with a copy of the summons attached, in order to be valid. If you do not attach a copy of the summons, we will do it for you and charge $3.50.
  
• Please be clear about whether or not you need Personal service or merely abode service. Some process service documents such as Orders and Federal Subpoenas require personal service, while most others can be served to any named resident of suitable age and discretion.
  
• Please include a witness fee, payable to the witness with any subpoena you are serving. If you don’t know the accurate witness fee, you may use ABC’s witness fee calculator to determine the proper amount.
  
• If you are serving a hostile party or any party known to avoid or contest service, you should advise ABC in advance and also provide as much information as possible on those persons you are trying to serve.
  Provide an accurate physical description and attach a photograph if you have one as well.
• Save yourself mileage fees by providing both work and home addresses and schedules for the party you wish to serve. Since process service rates in Washington are set by statute and do include charges for mileage, the fewer trips we make and the fewer miles we drive to get there, the more money we can save you and your clients on process service.