Serving a Divorce Summons

Divorce summonses must be served by personal delivery only unless you have a court order authorizing an alternative method of service.

The words "ACTION FOR A DIVORCE" must be legibly printed on the face of the summons. Your Affidavit of Service should reflect this.

Together with the summons, you will usually be serving the following documents:

• Notice of Automatic Orders
• Notice of Guideline Maintenance
• Notice of Continuation of Health Care Coverage
• Child Support Standards Chart (if there are children)

It is important that your Affidavit of Service list all documents that are served.

Your Affidavit of Service must specify how you knew the person you served was the defendant. Some examples of this may include:

• You personally know the defendant.
• You were provided a photograph of the defendant by the plaintiff and identified the defendant using the photograph. You must also attach a copy of the photograph.
• The plaintiff accompanied you and pointed out the defendant at the time of service.
• You asked the person served if he/she was the person named in the summons as the defendant and the person admits to being the defendant.