what does summons returned to attorney for service mean

If the return of service states a defendant's name, this means that the agency could not locate that person at the address. Depending on the agency, it may contact the plaintiff for a different address, and will try to serve the summons on the defendant at a different address, for example, a work address.

Full Answer

What does summons issued and returnable mean?

Jan 26, 2017 · It means the process server was unable to serve the defendant. You need to take further action to obtain service. Do yourself a favor hire a lawyer. This response does not create an attorney-client relationship.

What to do after being served summons?

Aug 04, 2014 · It means that the clerk of courts issued a summons and the sheriff's office (or other method of service) was not successful within the 20 days allowed. Until you are served successfully or voluntarily appear, no clocks start running on deadlines for actions you must take to protect your rights.

How to serve summons?

Nov 23, 2010 · It means that the summons was served and notice of its service was returned to the issuing agency.

What does “summons-issued service event” mean?

Return of service is a written acknowledgment by a process server stating that there was service of legal documents, such as a summons and complaint. Process is the legal term for the delivery of copies of legal documents such as summons, complaints, subpoenae, orders to show cause, writs, notices to quit the premises and certain other documents. Delivery is usually made by …

What does Returned served mean?

Return of service is a confirmation that there was service of process. Also termed proof of service, and the document evidencing service may be termed certificate of service. The document is generally filed by the server, potentially a sheriff or a professional process server, in court.

What does service mean in a lawsuit?

What Is Service? The law says that when you sue a person, partnership, corporation, or the government, you must give formal notice to the other side that you have started the legal process.

What does process mean in service of process?

Service of process is the procedure by which a party to a lawsuit gives an appropriate notice of initial legal action to another party (such as a defendant), court, or administrative body in an effort to exercise jurisdiction over that person so as to force that person to respond to the proceeding before the court, ...

How are summons served?

HOW IS A SUMMON SERVED. Every summon shall be served by a police officer, or by an officer of the court issuing it or any other public servant. The summon shall if practical, be served personally on the person summoned, by delivering or tendering to him one of the duplicates of the summons.

2 attorney answers

Sounds like you looked up your case online. It means that the clerk of courts issued a summons and the sheriff's office (or other method of service) was not successful within the 20 days allowed. Until you are served successfully or voluntarily appear, no clocks start running on deadlines for actions you must take to protect your rights.

Vanessa J. Gorden

Sounds like you looked up your case online. It means that the clerk of courts issued a summons and the sheriff's office (or other method of service) was not successful within the 20 days allowed. Until you are served successfully or voluntarily appear, no clocks start running on deadlines for actions you must take to protect your rights.

What is a summons in court?

The summons is the notification that a lawsuit has been filed and that the person whose name is on the summons was properly served with the lawsuit. It tells the defendant how many days he has to file an answer or other responsive pleading. It also gives the plaintiff's name and address, or the plaintiff's attorney, if the plaintiff has an attorney.

What happens if a process server is successful in serving the defendant?

If the process server or sheriff was successful in serving the defendant, the serving agency files a return of service stating that the summons was served, the name of the defendant and the date and time it was served. The agency files the original with the clerk and forwards a copy to the plaintiff.

What happens if the serving agency cannot find a defendant?

If the serving agency cannot find a defendant, the agency files a return of summons stating that it could not find the defendant to serve. In the case of a summons for "Unknown Tenant #n," it may be because there was not an unknown person living at the residence. If the return of service states a defendant's name, this means that the agency could not locate that person at the address. Depending on the agency, it may contact the plaintiff for a different address, and will try to serve the summons on the defendant at a different address, for example, a work address. If the agency still cannot find the person, it will file a return of summons stating that the defendant was not served.

What is a rule returnable?

A “rule returnable” is a court order that essentially states “The court has received a request for relief. If you wish to be heard with regard to this relief, you must file an answer and/or appear for hearing at such-and-such a time, otherwise the relief may be granted without your input.”.

How long does it take to get a summons in California?

In California, for example, this period is 60 days. The summons tells him the court case number and the time period in which he must respond.

Can you file a civil suit against the government?

However if you are seeking civil action against government you have to first serve government a legal notice. It is only thereafter that you can file civil suit against government.

What does a summons tell you?

The summons tells him the court case number and the time period in which he must respond. Serving a Party. Although serving a party is most often accomplished by handing him a copy of the summons and complaint, the person bringing the action usually cannot do this herself.

What is process server?

In other states, like Florida, service is always made by the sheriff or someone approved by him. If the person sued is avoiding service or is difficult to locate, other means to serve the documents are available.

What is proof of service?

Proof of Service. The person who serves the summons fills in a form called Proof of Service of Summons. The person sets out the time and place she gave the defendant the summons. She signs the proof of service under penalty of perjury and files it with the court.

What happens if you don't appear in court?

A summons is a court order. If you do not appear , you have violated the court order and may face serious consequences. Laws vary in different states depending on what state you're in , but if you fail to appear in court when ordered, you could be charged with failing to appear or contempt of court.