Can a husband serve his wife divorce papers?
Yes. The court will not serve your spouse for you. You must arrange service of the sealed divorce documents on your spouse, unless the court gives you special permission (called a Service Order). If you and your spouse have applied jointly for a divorce, you do not need to serve the divorce documents on each other.
What does serving papers mean in divorce?
This means someone neutral and not involved in your case must hand-deliver the documents to the defendant in person. Your spouse can be served anywhere – at home, at work, etc. Whoever serves the Defendant must complete an Affidavit of Service stating when, where and what documents were served on the Defendant.
What happens next after you file for divorce?
When you file for divorce, the court allows you to ask the court for temporary court orders for child custody, child support, and spousal support. The judge will usually grant the temporary order quickly, and it will remain valid until the court orders otherwise or until the judge finalizes the divorce.
Where can I serve my spouse with divorce papers?
Your spouse must be personally served with a copy of the documents. This means someone neutral and not involved in your case must hand-deliver the documents to the defendant in person. Your spouse can be served anywhere – at home, at work, etc.
Where can I serve my spouse in a civil suit?
Your spouse can be served anywhere – at home, at work, etc. Whoever serves the Defendant must complete an Affidavit of Service stating when, where and what documents were served on the Defendant. If you use the sheriff or a private process server, they may have their own form to complete as proof of service.
How to serve divorce papers, return receipt requested?
Certified mail, return receipt requested: Serving divorce papers this way requires that your spouse sign a paper that is attached to the envelope when he receives the petition in the mail. This “return receipt” is then mailed back to you after it is signed, and will serve as proof of service.
How can I serve my divorce papers by alternate service?
If the judge allows you to serve by alternate service, you will have to send the documents through every method the judge identifies on the order. Fill out the order below and email it to the department assigned to your case.