FAQs
Process Server In Los Angeles, Calfornia
Frequently Asked Questions About Process Serving
Q: HOW MANY COPIES SHOULD I PROVIDE FOR SERVICE?
A: You should provide us with 2 copies of each document to be served per person.
Q: SHOULD I SERVE ORIGINALS OR COPIES?
A: Normally, original documents should not be served. The original Summons must be filed with the court in order to obtain a default judgment. Original subpoenas, discovery requests, ect. Should be retained in your files.
Q: WHERE CAN I OBTAIN FREE LEGAL FORMS?
A:Click Here!
Q: WHAT IS SUBSTITUTED SERVICE AND WHEN IS IT APPROPRIATE?
A: Substituted service [(known as a "sub-serve"] is acceptable when serving a Summons, Claim of Plaintiff, Claim of Defendant, Notice, Writ of Attachment or Writ of Execution. It permits service by serving someone other than the named person and then mailing copies of the documents to the person served.
Corporations may be sub-served on the first attempt at serving. Individuals, however may be sub-served only after due diligence is established [usually by making at least 3 attempts]. Individual courts may have stricter requirements for sub-service which dictate the number of attempts and times of the day when attempts must be made.
Q: WHEN ARE WITNESS FEES REQUIRED AND HOW MUCH ARE THEY?
A: In general, witness fees are payable anytime a witness is required to appear at a deposition, trial or hearing. If you do not provide a check for witness fees, the documents will be served without them.
Q: I WANT TO FILE A SMALL CLAIMS CASE BUT DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO.
A: The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs' Small Claims Court Advisor Program provides information and counseling to litigants and potential litigants concerning all aspects of the Small Claims Court process, including case preparation, collection, who to serve, appeals and more. Call (213) 974-9759 for 24 hour recorded information or call between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to speak with an advisor.
STATE COURT CASES
Personal Appearance: In State Court cases, the witness fee for personal appearance at a deposition, hearing or trial is $35.00, plus $.20 cents per mile, round trip from the witnesses residence to the place of the hearing.
Business Records: Where the subpoena calls only for production of records, a $15.00 fee must be paid at the time of service of the subpoena.
Special Provisions Regarding Peace Officers: Subpoenas requiring a personal appearance by a peace officer, fire fighter, Highway Patrol or other classes of employees of a city or county agency testifying about matters arising from their official duties, must be accompanied by a witness fee in the amount of $275.00 at the time of service. Normally, the subpoena is served and the witness fees are paid at the office of the agency that employees the witness.
Expert Witnesses: Expert witnesses are entitled to receive their usual hourly rate. In general, these fees are paid immediately after the deposition or hearing.
FEDERAL COURT CASES
Personal Appearance: In Federal Court Cases, the fee for personal appearance is $40.00, plus $.58 cents per mile, round trip from the witnesses residence to the place of the hearing. The mileage fee is based upon the maximum allowable automobile reimbursement used by the IRS. This rate may change throughout the year. The fee must be paid at the time of service.
Personal Appearance: In Federal Court Cases, the fee for personal appearance is $40.00, plus $.58 cents per mile, round trip from the witnesses residence to the place of the hearing. The mileage fee is based upon the maximum allowable automobile reimbursement used by the IRS. This rate may change throughout the year. The fee must be paid at the time of service.