What is Service of Process?
Service of process is the legal procedure that officially notifies a party that a legal action has been filed against them. It ensures that individuals, businesses, or entities are given proper notice and the opportunity to respond.
At Symple Serve Process Serving, we handle this process professionally and in strict compliance with California Code of Civil Procedure. Whether you’re an attorney, paralegal, or individual, we make sure every serve is completed legally, documented precisely, and supported by a valid Affidavit of Service.
What Is Considered Routine Service?
Routine Service is designed for non-urgent jobs that still require reliable, verified service. First Attempt: Within 3–4 business days after payment confirmation (business days, weekends are extra).
What Is a Rush Fee?
Rush Service is for cases that require immediate action. First Attempt: Within 24 hours after payment confirmation (business days, weekends are extra).
What Is Same-Day Service?
Same-Day Service When time is critical, our Same-Day option guarantees your first attempt within 3–8 hours (business days, weekends are extra).
This level is ideal for last-minute filings, emergency restraining orders, or tight court deadlines.
How Many Attempts Do You Make?
Each paid service tier includes up to three diligent attempts at the provided address.
If additional addresses or recipients are identified, they can be added for an extra fee under “Additional Recipient.”
What Is Substitute Service?
If the intended recipient cannot be personally served after multiple attempts, substitute service may be used.
This involves delivering the documents to:
Substitute service is valid under California Code of Civil Procedure §415.20 and becomes effective 10 days after mailing.
What Is a Court Day and How Do You Calculate It?
A court day is any day the court is open — typically Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and legal holidays. When a rule says a document “must be served at least 16 court days before the hearing,” count only the days the court is open. Do not include weekends or court holidays when calculating deadlines.
What Happens if the Defendant Is Avoiding Service?
Our servers are trained to identify evasion patterns. If a defendant is suspected of avoiding service, Symple Serve can escalate to:
All strategies comply with California law and maintain full documentation for admissible proof in court.
What Are Witness Fees?
If you’re serving a witness subpoena, California law requires a statutory witness fee to be included with service (typically $35 per day + mileage).
Our process servers can prepare and deliver these payments on your behalf, ensuring compliance with court rules.
What Is the Fuel Surcharge?
A minimal fuel surcharge may apply to compensate for travel within extended Orange County regions. All fees are disclosed upfront and itemized on your invoice for full transparency.
Submit your service documents securely through the Symple Serve online portal to begin.
Payment confirmation activates your service timeline based on your selected service level.
Serving a Civil Summons and Complaint
A civil Summons and Complaint must be personally served to legally notify a defendant that a lawsuit has been filed against them. This ensures due process and allows the defendant time to respond before default judgment can be entered.
At Symple Serve Process Serving, we handle all aspects of civil service — from delivery to affidavit — with accuracy and proof.
Service Requirements:
We provide:
Serving a Notice to Consumer or Employee and Objection (SUBP-025)
This notice informs a consumer, employee, or third party that records have been subpoenaed. California law requires the individual be notified at least five (5) days before the date of record production.
Key Points:
Pro Tip:
If you’re uncertain about timelines, Symple Serve is NOT an attorney but can help you calculate the exact statutory notice period for you before filing.
Serving a Deposition Subpoena for Production of Records (Duces Tecum)
A Deposition Subpoena for Production of Records (SUBP-010) commands a witness or custodian of records to produce documents for inspection.
Service Guidelines:
At Symple Serve Process Serving:
Notice of Hearing for Issuance of Writ of Attachment
This notice advises the defendant that the plaintiff is requesting a Writ of Attachment to secure assets before judgment.
Requirements:
Symple Serve ensures:
Order to Show Cause
An Order to Show Cause (OSC) requires the recipient to appear in court to explain why the court should not take a proposed action.
Examples include:
Serving an OSC:
Notice to Perpetuate Testimony or Preserve Evidence
This notice allows a party to preserve testimony or physical evidence before a case is filed or finalized.
Service Instructions:
Symple Serve Process Serving manages the timing and documentation so your preservation efforts hold up in court.
Serving a Summons (Family Law) and Petition – Marriage/Domestic Partnership
In family law cases such as dissolution, legal separation, or domestic partnership termination, the Summons (FL-110) and Petition (FL-100) must be properly served before the case can move forward.
At Symple Serve Process Serving, we ensure every service meets California Family Code and Code of Civil Procedure requirements.
Key Service Requirements:
Symple Serve provides:
Serving a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)
Temporary Restraining Orders are time-sensitive and must be served immediately after issuance. A TRO protects the requesting party from harassment, abuse, or violence until a court hearing can determine if the order should become permanent.
Service Requirements:
Symple Serve Process Serving prioritizes TROs with same-day handling when possible, providing:
Request for Order (FL-300)
A Request for Order is used to ask the court to make or change orders in an existing family law case — such as custody, support, or visitation.
Service Requirements:
Symple Serve Delivers:
Serving a Plaintiff’s Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court (SC-100)
Every Small Claims case begins with properly serving the Plaintiff’s Claim and Order (SC-100). The defendant must receive notice in time to prepare for court.
Requirements:
Symple Serve Process Serving ensures accurate, on-time service and provides confirmation with photos, GPS data, and affidavit submission within 72 hours.
Serving a Defendant’s Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court (SC-120)
If the defendant files a counterclaim, they must serve the plaintiff using the Defendant’s Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court (SC-120).
Requirements:
Serving a Small Claims Subpoena (SC-107)
A Small Claims Subpoena compels a witness to appear or provide documents for the case.
Types of Subpoenas:
Service Instructions:
Symple Serve ensures accurate tracking, affidavit filing, and coordination of witness fee checks.
Serving an Application and Order to Appear for Examination (SC-134)
Used post-judgment, this form requires the debtor to appear in court and disclose assets.
Requirements:
Failure to appear may result in a bench warrant. Symple Serve Process Serving handles scheduling, documentation, and fast filing.
Submitting Documents for Court Filing
When your case requires official court filing, Symple Serve can manage the process from start to finish — including printing, physical filing, or electronic filing (eFiling) through approved Orange County court systems.
Filing Options:
Requirements:
Symple Serve guarantees confirmation receipts and court-accepted file stamps delivered to your inbox for standard eFiling jobs.
How Much Does It Cost to File Documents with the Court?
Filing costs depend on the court and document type. Most Orange County Superior Court filings range between $15–$75 for court fees plus Symple Serve’s flat-rate eFiling service of $65 per job.
Fees outside Orange County may vary depending on court jurisdiction and filing rules.
What Is Due Diligence in Process Serving?
“Due diligence” means making every reasonable effort to personally serve the defendant before alternate or substitute methods are used.
At Symple Serve, due diligence includes:
Once all efforts are exhausted, substitute service or service by mail may be pursued legally under CCP §415.20.
What Is Defendant Location (Skip Tracing)?
Skip tracing is the process of locating a person’s current residence or place of employment when normal service attempts fail.
Our Process:
Symple Serve offers skip tracing as an add-on service ($95) with results typically delivered within 48–72 hours.
Ordering Service with Symple Serve
Follow these simple steps to start your service job with confidence:
Click on ORDER and fill out the form in its entirety and attached all legal documents before submitting.
Receive Secure Payment Link
After your job has been reviewed and the scope confirmed, we’ll email you a secure payment link to complete your order.
Important:
Symple Serve Process Serving – Flat-Rate Pricing for Orange County
Service Type | Price | Details |
Routine Service | $65 | 3–4 business days, up to 3 attempts, affidavit within 5 days |
Rush Service | $100 | First attempt within 24 hours, affidavit within 24 hours |
Same-Day Service | $135 | Attempt within 3–8 hours, affidavit same day (before 4 PM) |
Add-On Services
Service | Rate | Details |
Stakeout | $110/hr | 4-hour minimum; surveillance for evasive subjects |
Skip Trace | $95 | Locate hard-to-find individuals using national databases |
eFile | $65 | Electronic court filing within 72 hours |
Restraining Order Handling | $125 | Rapid handling with eFiling included |
Printing | $30/pg | Billed at actual cost |
Additional Recipient | $65 | Additional party at same address |
Notary | $40 | Legal notarization of affidavits and related documents |
Out-of-Area Service:
Symple Serve partners with a vetted national network of registered process servers for cases outside Orange County, including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Bernardino, and the Inland Empire.
Timelines may vary based on local coordination.
Payment Policy:
All services must be prepaid in full. Service timeframes begin upon payment confirmation.
Refund Policy:
Cancellations before scheduling qualify for a 50% refund due to administrative time and resource allocation.
Still have questions or unsure where to start?
Our team is here to help you every step of the way.