Civil Process

Process has been defined as the means of compelling a defendant in an action to appear in court, or a means whereby a court compels compliance with its demands. Simply, process is an order of the court directing that an action be done

Constitutionally, the sheriff of each county is responsible for carrying out the service of civil process within each county of jurisdiction. Personnel assigned as process servers execute and return to the courts the civil process which is directed to the sheriff for service.

If you need further information in regards to Civil Process, or you have a question or comment about service, please contact our Civil Process office at the number listed below.

Official service of a summons and a copy of your complaint or petition is necessary to start a legal action by giving the other side formal notice there is a lawsuit filed against them. Otherwise, your case cannot proceed through the court system. After serving the other parties in your civil case, the process server files a return of service with the court so that the judge will know this has been done according to the law.

Civil process servers also serve subpoenas (orders to appear in court or produce documents) and other legal notices and may be called upon to testify in court if there is a question about proper service.

Civil Process Fees