Typical non‑rush serves are often completed within a few days up to about 1–2 weeks, depending on how easy the person is to locate. Costs vary by distance, urgency (standard vs. rush), and difficulty but are commonly quoted as a flat fee per serve, with higher prices for same‑day or hard‑to‑find targets.

Service usually does not require the person to willingly “accept” the papers; if they identify themselves and refuse, a server can often leave the documents near them and it still counts as service under many state rules. If the person is hiding or cannot be found, courts may allow alternative methods such as substitute service on another adult at the home or business, certified mail, or even publication, but this typically requires following strict local procedures.

After we serve your papers in California, we document every detail so the court can officially recognize that service was completed. We record who was served, when and where it happened, and how the service was done (personal, substitute, or by another approved method).

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We then complete and sign a Proof of Service form under penalty of perjury, confirming that the information is accurate and that we are qualified to serve. We send that completed proof back to you or your attorney so it can be filed with the court, which is what allows your case timelines and next legal steps to move forward