When do you have to serve papers before going to court?

Answer by  epglaw (553)

Depending upon the type of papers, you are generally required to serve the papers a minimum of 10 days in advance of the hearing. Each state is different, so consult an attorney first.

Answer by  nasemcsc (36)

A summons and complaint need to be served before a court date. In some states, the court will serve these papers for you via certified mail and/or a court officer. Generally, they need to be served two weeks before the court date. Each state is different in its requirements.

Answer by  denise26 (16)

You serve papers for a protection from abuse order, divorce papers, custody hearings, divorce, for civil suits, criminal cases such as subpoenas to attend or for landlord tenant hearings you must serve the defendant with papers.

Answer by  cmass (26)

It depends. If you are initiating a lawsuit you will have to file papers with the court and then serve the defendants. If you are named in a lawsuit generally you will have to serve an answer on the plaintiff(s) before going to court.