Date Of Service Of Summons In Kings
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Alternative methods of service: If the person attempting to serve court papers is unable to locate or serve the defendant, the court may allow alternative methods of service, such as publication in a newspaper or post on the defendant's door.
(The “return date” of a summons is the date to respond or face default.) Different courts have different forms and different time limits. And note that by having the summons issued, a party suddenly can invoke the full power of the civil courts to obtain relief.
Steps to Take If You Have Not Received Court Papers First and foremost, consult with an attorney who specializes in litigation and is familiar with the laws and procedures in California. They can guide you through the necessary actions to protect your rights and mount an appropriate defense.
If the server consistently fails to reach you despite multiple attempts, they may resort to alternative legal methods or petition the court for permission to use alternative means of service. Most process servers typically make multiple attempts to serve legal documents, often ranging from three to five attempts.
Summary: A process server will try their best to serve you personally. However, if they can't find you, the court may grant an order for substituted service, and the lawsuit may proceed without you.
If you have not been properly served, and you don't show up, the court has no personal jurisdiction over you, and can't enter a judgment against you.
Initial Attempt: Typically, after receiving the documents, a process server will make the first attempt to serve within 24-48 hours. This rapid response time ensures prompt notification, aligning with the urgency of legal proceedings.
A summons with notice or summons and complaint must be served within 120 days of filing with the County Clerk.
Your answer should include the court name, case name, case number, and your affirmative defenses. Print three copies of your answer. File one with the clerk's office and mail (or “serve”) one to the plaintiff or plaintiff's attorney. The plaintiff is the debt collector, creditor, or law firm suing you.
On a separate page or pages, write a short and plain statement of the answer to the allegations in the complaint. Number the paragraphs. The answer should correspond to each paragraph in the complaint, with paragraph 1 of the answer corresponding to paragraph 1 of the complaint, etc.
