Process Service Glossary
These plain-language explanations help you discuss a service assignment. They are general descriptions, not instructions for choosing a legal procedure. Check the current court guide and your attorney’s directions for your case.
Abstract Of Judgment
A document summarizing a court judgment. Recording it may have legal consequences; check the procedure for the judgment and property involved.
Affidavit Or Declaration Of Service
A server’s written account of delivery or attempts. Whether an oath, notarization, or declaration is required depends on the jurisdiction and document.
Complaint
A pleading that states a plaintiff’s claims and requested relief. It is different from the summons that accompanies it.
Court Filing
Submitting documents to a court. Filing and service are separate tasks, and acceptance is subject to court requirements.
Defendant And Respondent
Terms for the person or entity responding to a case. The terminology depends on the type of proceeding.
Diligence
Documented effort to complete an assignment. The attempts needed before an alternative service method depend on the applicable rules.
Fee Waiver
Court approval concerning specified court fees or costs. It does not automatically waive a private provider’s charges.
Judgment Creditor And Judgment Debtor
The party entitled to payment under a money judgment and the party who owes it. Collection requires the applicable legal procedure.
Personal Service
Delivery of papers directly to the required recipient using the method allowed for that document.
Petition
A formal request to a court for relief or an order. Required forms and attachments depend on the proceeding.
Process Server
A person who delivers legal documents and records the service performed. Eligibility and professional registration requirements vary.
Proof Of Service
The completed form or declaration identifying what was served, when, where, how, and by whom. The server signs the information about the delivery performed.
Registered Agent
A person or entity designated to receive specified legal documents for a business. Verify the current designation and service requirements before delivery.
Registered And Bonded Process Server
A professional with the registration and bond required for the relevant jurisdiction. Association membership is different from registration, and requirements are not identical in every state.
Return Of Service
The record returned after an assignment describing delivery, unsuccessful attempts, or another outcome. Terminology varies by jurisdiction.
Service By Mail Or Electronic Means
Delivery by an alternative channel when authorized. Consent, document type, court orders, and other rules can affect whether it is permitted.
Service By Publication Or Posting
A method that may require a court order and specified supporting steps. It is not a general shortcut when a recipient is difficult to locate.
Skip Tracing
Research intended to identify a possible current location. Results are leads to assess, not a guarantee of an address or completed service.
Subpoena
A court order seeking testimony, records, or both. Service, notice, fee, and objection requirements depend on the subpoena.
Substituted Service
An authorized method involving delivery to another eligible person and additional required steps. Merely leaving papers with anyone at an address does not establish valid service.
Summons
A court-issued document notifying the recipient of a case and required response. Read the current form and instructions for the applicable deadline.
Writ Of Execution
A court-issued document used in enforcement of a judgment. The levying officer’s instructions and applicable rules govern the assignment.
Standard, Priority, And Same-Day Service
These are JPL service levels describing first-attempt timing, not guaranteed completion. See our current rates and service levels for the published scope. Attempts depend on the location and assignment; extra addresses, research, or stakeouts may require approval.
Official Guidance
Use California Courts service guidance for court procedures, and JPL’s service FAQs for ordering information. Call (866) 754-0520 to discuss a supplied service packet.
