Summons Service in Kern County & California

Summons & Complaint Service in California

Kern County Process Servers coordinates personal and substituted service of summonses and complaints for civil courts throughout California. Documents are served in compliance with California Code of Civil Procedure §§ 415.10–415.95 so your Proof of Service withstands judicial review.

Types of Summonses We Serve

• Civil summons and complaints (Superior Court)
• Small claims court plaintiff’s claims (Form SC-100)
• Unlawful detainer summons (eviction)
• Family law summons and petitions (Form FL-110)
• Temporary restraining orders (civil harassment and domestic violence)
• Federal court summons (USDC Eastern, Central, Northern & Southern Districts)

Methods of Service

Personal Service (CCP § 415.10) — Direct hand delivery to the named party. Personal delivery completes service immediately and starts the 30-day responsive pleading window under CCP § 412.20.

Substituted Service (CCP § 415.20) — When an individual cannot be personally served after reasonable diligence across varied hours, documents may be left with a competent member of the household or person apparently in charge (age 18+) at the residence or workplace, followed by first-class mail. Service is deemed complete on the 10th calendar day after mailing.

Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt (CCP § 415.30) — In appropriate civil proceedings, service may be attempted by mail with two copies of Form POS-015 and a return envelope.

Proof of Service

Every summons serve includes a completed Judicial Council Proof of Service of Summons (Form POS-010) signed under penalty of perjury pursuant to CCP § 2015.5. Electronic PDF copies are returned promptly upon completion.

Service Areas

We serve summonses throughout Kern County — Bakersfield, Delano, Ridgecrest, Tehachapi, Wasco, Taft, Oildale, and surrounding communities — as well as all 21 county hubs in our California directory.

Order service online or send us a question.