Due Diligence Affidavits for California Service

Declaration of Due Diligence in California

When personal delivery cannot be completed after reasonable diligence, California Superior Courts require a chronological Declaration of Due Diligence before accepting substituted service on an individual (CCP § 415.20(b)) or signing an order for unlawful detainer posting (CCP § 415.45) or service by publication (CCP § 415.50).

What the Declaration Documents

• Exact date, time, and physical address of every personal attempt
• Staggered scheduling across morning, evening, and weekend windows
• Physical observations at the residence or business premises and any conversations with neighbors, guards, or occupants
• Skip-tracing or directory inquiries performed when an address appears vacated
• Signature under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California (CCP § 2015.5)

How Many Attempts Are Required

For substituted service under CCP § 415.20(b), California courts generally require at least three diligent attempts on different days and hours at a verified address. For service by publication under CCP § 415.50, judges require exhaustive field attempts combined with skip-tracing and public-records searches.

Court Compliance

Our Declarations of Diligence are formatted for filing in:

• Superior Court of California, County of Kern (Bakersfield Metropolitan Division and regional branches)
• All 58 California County Superior Courts
• U.S. District Courts throughout California

Submit your documents online or contact us to begin service.