Papers DeliveredSummons, Complaint and Family Court Papers, Served Across Michigan
We serve the summons and complaint that open a civil or domestic relations case, and the later papers that have to be handed over in person, anywhere in Michigan.
Under MCR 2.105(A), the first serve on an individual is made by delivering the papers to that person or by registered or certified mail restricted to the addressee. Our part is the in-person delivery: a server who is not a party attempts at different hours, writes down each visit, and returns a notarized affidavit once the papers are in the right hands.
Papers in this group
- Summonses and complaints in circuit and district court civil cases
- Divorce and separate maintenance papers, with the Friend of the Court pamphlet when it is in the packet
- Papers in custody, parenting time and support matters
- Small claims and probate court papers
- Motions and orders that must be delivered in person
How a summons and complaint serve runs
Send the issued summons with the complaint
Tell us the date the court issued the summons. Under MCR 2.102(D) a Michigan summons expires 91 days after issue, so that date sets the working window for every attempt.
Tell us what else is in the packet
In a divorce with a child under 18, a pregnancy, or a support request, MCR 3.203(J) has the Friend of the Court pamphlet served with the complaint, and the proof must say it was. Put it in the packet and mention it, so the affidavit records it.
We attempt in person
MCR 2.103(A) lets any legally competent adult who is not a party serve process. Our servers vary the days and hours of their visits and note the date, time, place and what they observed on each one.
You receive the affidavit
The completed serve returns as a notarized affidavit stating the manner, time, date and place of service, the facts MCR 2.104(A) requires.
Questions about civil and family serves
Can the spouse who filed hand the divorce papers to the other spouse?
No. MCR 2.103(A) allows service by a legally competent adult who is not a party, and the spouse who filed is a party. A friend or relative who is not a party can do it, and many people use a process server so the proof is prepared by someone who serves papers every day.
What happens if the summons expires before the defendant is served?
Nobody can serve on an expired summons. The plaintiff has to ask the court for a new one before attempts can continue. Sending the papers soon after issue leaves room for repeat attempts and, if the attorney needs it, a request for another method of service.
Do you decide which papers go in the packet?
No. The attorney on the case, or the person filing it, decides what is served. We deliver the papers you give us in a manner the rules allow and document what happened at each attempt.