may use any method in this packet, but you must be able to provide the Court with the correct documentation regarding the method you used.
ATTENTION: YOU MUST SERVE ALL OF THE DOCUMENTS IN THIS CASE. Neither the Court not the Prothonotary’s Office will serve any documents for you. Although the Prothonotary may mail a copy of the Order to the parties, this is not service!
If you come to court and cannot prove to the Judge that you properly served all documents in your case, then the Judge may not be able to give you a Custody Order. This is because the other party in this case has a right to know that you have filed for custody and that you are asking the Court for a Custody Order.
2. What Methods of Service are available?
Certified Mail, restricted delivery, return receipt requested (Use Form #7)
Personal Service, by Sheriff, Constable, or other person over the age of 18 years (THIS OTHER PERSON OVER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS CANNOT BE YOU), (Use Form #8).
Personal Service, by you handing the party(ies) a copy of ALL papers: HOWEVER, this is only considered proper and valid service if the other party or parties cooperate by signing an ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICE (Form #9) as set forth below. If they will not cooperate and will not sign the ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICE, then you must use one of the previous two methods of service set forth above.
3. What type of Documentation should be completed?
If you serve the other party(ies) by Certified Mail, restricted delivery, return receipt requested, then complete the AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE (CERTIFIED MAIL) (Form #7) for each party and attach the Certified Mail Receipt (which is green in color) and file this form with the Prothonotary’s Office.
If a Sheriff, Constable or other person over the age of 18 (OTHER THAN YOU) hands the papers to the defendant(s), then complete the AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE (BY THIRD PARTY) (Form #8) for each party and file this form with the Prothonotary’s Office. This form requires the signature of the third party.
If you hand the papers to the Defendant(s), then complete the top part of the ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICE (Form #9) and have the Defendant sign and date the form. File this form with the Prothonotary's Office. This form requires the signature of the Defendant. If the Defendant refuses to sign, then you must use another method of service such as Certified Mail or Service by a third party.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE: Fill in the caption of the Certificate of Compliance. Then sign and date the Certificate of Compliance. This document is filed at the same time with the Affidavit of Service.
Instructions