How to serve your Response by mail
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Choose a server
Serving means another adult, not you, mails a copy of your court papers to the other side.
When choosing your server, find someone who is both:
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18 years old or over
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Not part of your case (example: not someone who is protected on your restraining order)
Your server can be someone you know or a professional process server you hire.
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Have your server mail the papers
Your server mails to the other side:
- A copy of your Response (form SV-120)
- Any other papers you filed in this case.
If the other side has a lawyer, mail the papers to their lawyer. Tell your server to note the date they mailed the papers. Your server needs this date to fill out the Proof of Service (form SV-250).
Use regular first class mail. Don't use certified mail. This requires getting the other person's signature which is sometimes hard to do.
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Have your server complete form SV-250
Have your server complete form SV-250. It helps if you fill in the top part of the form with the case and court information. Your server can then fill in the information about how, when, and where they mailed the papers. Your server must sign and date the form.
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Copy and file form SV-250
- Make a copy of form SV-250.
- File the original and copy at the courthouse where you filed your Response form. The court will stamp and give you your copy back.
- Have a copy with you at your court hearing.
Respond to a request for a restraining order
What's next?
Once you’ve served your Response, get ready for your court date.