Divorce Dex.com: Certificate of Service

Home

Term Search A-Z

QDRO Preparation - QdroDesk™ is an industry proven online service providing an instant, easy, accurate, and affordable method for obtaining Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs).

Online Divorce - With or without children, 123DivorceMe.com is the fastest, easiest, and most affordable way to file your own uncontested divorce.

Online Parenting Class - Avoid the hassle of completing the mandatory course by taking the "Positive Parenting Through Divorce" class online.

Definition Certificate of Service - a written statement, completed by a process server, proving to the court that a copy of a document was served on its intended recipient.

Application in Divorce The signed certificate of service proves that the process server served (delivered) a document to its intended recipient.

When completed, the certification of service becomes part of the record.

The process server (typically the sheriff’s office) completes this document immediately after he or she hand delivers the summons and petition or complaint to the non-filing party. It is this time stamped and dated document that is delivered back to the filing party to use as verification with court that proper service has been preformed. A divorce case is at a standstill until proper notification has been verified by the court.

Similar to a certificate of mailing, but rather the summons and petition or complaint are not mailed to the non-fling party, but rather hand delivered by a process server. This is certainly a more bullet-proof method of notification of the divorce if it is in question by the court.

Your Suggestion

Questions & Answers

Contribute Question/Answer

Helpful Tips & Facts

Serving Your Spouse
Once you or your lawyer files the initial paperwork (the petition or complaint), a copy must be served to your spouse (unless service has been waived). This is done, so the court knows the opposing party is aware of the divorce. Once the opposing party is formally served, he or she will have a set number of days (20-30 depending on the state) to file an answer or response to the petition or complaint. If the opposing party doe not file an answer or response, then the case will proceed by default without his or her participation.

Contributed on 6/19/2007 by: DivorceDex.com Staff
Category: Divorce Procedure (Applicable in All States)

Contribute Tip/Fact

Additional Resources

Report Broken Link

Find Divorce Professionals We have an ever-growing list of divorce professionals that contribute to DivorceDex.com. To view a list of professionals in your area, please select your state: ALERT: If you are a divorce professional (attorney, mediator, counselor, financial planner, etc.) generating new clients by joining the directory is easy and free.

Due to the possibility of unanticipated or unexpected changes in state statutes and related case law the information contained on this page and/or with in this online divorce information index, the owners and any and all persons or entities involved in any way in creation and management of the website and service disclaim all responsibility for the legal effects or consequences of the interpretation or use of the information provided in any way. Those individuals that are in need of legal advice are encouraged to contact a lawyer. You may locate a lawyer in our Find Professionals Area.

Terms & Conditions | Contact Us | Link to DivorceDex

Divorce Source, Inc.
You may reproduce materials available on this site for your own personal use and for non-commercial distribution. All copies must include this copyright statement. Violation of this notice may result in immediate legal action.