How to Serve Papers With an Ex Parte
The colloquial term "serve papers" or "serving papers" is layman's explanation of providing legal service of a complaint, summons, or order on an adversary party. Generally, the legal pleading, or order, must be served directly to the individual or a person living in his home 18 years old or older. Ex-parte orders or summons are decrees or notifications handed down by a judge to one party without the opposing party present.
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Instructions
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Hire a process server. Look in a local phone book for process servers. In general, these individuals or businesses must be certified or licensed by the state in which they provide their services and be knowledgeable about the rules of civil procedure.
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Use the local sheriff's department legal services. In most county jurisdictions, the local sheriff's department provides legal process service. Deputies are deemed by the state as duly designated law-enforcement officers.
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Hire a private detective. Find a private detective by looking in the local phone book or by going to your state's division of licensing website and looking for licensed private detectives. Private detectives are also able to serve legal papers.
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Serve the opposing party through the clerk of the court. In some jurisdictions, the clerk of the court may serve an ex-parte order or summons on the opposing party via certified mail. Go to the clerk of the court's office and ask for service by certified mail.
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Tips & Warnings
In most jurisdictions, a party to a legal matter cannot serve an ex-parte summons, complaint or order themselves.
