Confirm Court Requirements

Filing Timelines

Check if you need to file within a certain number of days after service or prior to your hearing or court date.

Documents Allowed

Can you file a copy/scan or do you need the original? If you need an original, you'll need time to get it by mail.

How to File

In most cases, you'll need to file the return with the same court you filed the documents to start the lawsuit.

Signing Requirements

Does the document need to be merely signed or does it need to be notarized (signed with a notary as witness)?

Proof Matters When Service is Contested

When someone tries to contest service, a process server’s declaration and willingness to testify may not be enough on its own. Having evidence corroborating when and where service of process took place can go a long way to keep your case on track. You need a process server that’s willing to collect evidence as they go. You need ironclad proof of service.

 

Going Beyond the Return: Getting Proof

1

Detailed Records At Every Step

See evidence of every attempt made to deliver the documents in glorious detail for every case.

2

Pinpoint Accuracy

Confirm the when and where for the delivery with time-stamped GPS coordinates.

3

A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words

View a photo of the location or of residency indicators, such as a registered vehicle on site.

4

Speed Makes a Difference

Receive the proof online, alongside your data-backed evidence timeline.

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Getting Results You Can Trust
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The tracking feature ABC Legal uses is very helpful. We could see the status on serving at any given moment through tracking. They include pictures of the destination the party is served at, GPS location, and have a very convenient messaging feature.

Wall & Wall Attorneys at Law
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The ease of online submission. The updates throughout the steps of process of service. The quickness of the agent and photo documentation. I will definitely use ABC Legal again.

Ricky J
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ABC Legal, excellent!
...It is simple, I scan and upload my documents, receive confirmation of receipt. ABC legal kept me informed along the way up to the point where the court documents where served. I receive confirmation of service and a photo of the AC office building. My five star rating was well deserved.
Joseph O
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I give them 5 stars
They did everything possible to guarantee processing, completion and acceptance of the court document. I will use them again.
David
Sifu Systems
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ABC Legal Services gets the job done
Simple as that, after trying multiple legal companies services on the market, we hit the jackpot with ABC Legal Services. I strongly recommend all your legal needs to ABC.
Tom
North Bay Check Cashing
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Excellent
Very good experience with this company.
Bob
RT Olson Plumbing
Serve Your Documents

See the difference for yourself. Get evidence with every attempt and know your process server is empowered to do their best work, every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a return of service? What are the requirements for proof of service?

The return of service is the document that acts as the sworn statement of the delivery agent, affirming that the delivery of the legal documents took place in as much detail as required by the court. Some courts require precise information about who documents were handed to, dates when documents are delivered versus when documentation is signed, and information about the process server. In some states, the return must be signed before a notary to be official.

The return of service is a requirement to finalize service of process for court proceedings. It must be filed with the court where the initial filing occurred, sometimes within a specific timeline in relation to the proceeding (for example, x days before the hearing) or with the date of service (for example, x days after the documents are delivered).


Learn more about the quality and value you get with ABC Legal here.

What is a return of non-service? What happens if you can’t serve the documents?

When service of process doesn’t go as planned, a return of non-service is used to demonstrate to the court that diligent attempts at delivering the documents have been made and have been unsuccessful. In some cases, if the attempts meet specific court requirements, this can open doors for alternative methods for service, such as service by publication. This way, even if the party you’re seeking service upon is evading service or is just difficult to find, they may still be served in accordance with the law, allowing your case to proceed. It may be worthwhile to appropriate seek legal counsel if service is not going smoothly, since additional documents or court procedures may need to be followed.

How do I know if my process server is making attempts versus when the documents are actually delivered?

Attempts typically continue until documents are delivered or diligence requirements are met. With ABC Legal, however, you’ll get transparency into the entire process - in real time.

Every attempt is logged by the process server and appears instantly in your account. You can view the case from start to finish in Case Details. There, you’ll see a timeline of events with the date, time, and any additional information collected at that step. From process server notes to GPS coordinates and photos - you’ll have so much information, you’ll feel like you got to go along for the ride.

In Case Details, attempts are marked as such, while delivery is marked as “service completed.”

Where do I get the proof of service?

The process server or other unbiased third party delivering the documents must complete the proof of service and provide it to you. In some states, a copy of the proof is enough. In others, you must have the signed original. When you get service of process with ABC Legal, we provide the proof as soon as its available online in your account. If your court requires the “wet-ink” original, we’ll have it mailed to you.

How long does it take to get the proof of service?

If all you need is a copy of the documents, process servers complete it quickly and upload it to your account. If you need the physical document, that is typically completed within a few days and then mailed to you. However, that can only happen after service of process is complete.

Completing service, in relation to when you place your order depends on how long service of process takes. Every time a process server tries to make the delivery, it’s called an attempt. It can take multiple attempts for the process server to reach the party appropriately.

The delivery of legal documents is bound by court law; there are regulations that must be followed around when, where, and to whom documents are delivered. For example, some states require that you make attempts on different days to meet diligence requirements or require personal service, handing documents directly to the person they’re for.

If the court’s conditions for delivery aren’t met, process servers can’t leave the documents lying around, they have to try again later. Since people aren’t always where you expect them to be, this process takes time.

Ensure timely and professional delivery

Order service of process today.