Once the sheriff serves the defendant, the sheriff will fill out a separate certificate of service or a sworn statement on the back of the summons copy. A summons in the form provided in paragraph (b)(1) of Rule 101 may not be served later than 21 days before the day for appearance.Prepare the Summons Form. Rule 101(b)(1) summons must be served at least 21 days before the appearance date. Date of Service: Fill in the date above and give this copy of the Summons to the person served. You should fill out and sign the Proof of Service section, which is found at the end of the Small Claims Summons. Only the clerk may mail the summons. The officer or process server will fill in the Date of Service. This Summons must be served within 30 days of its date, listed above. The officer or process server will fill in the.