Divorce Services

Serving divorce papers in San Diego County

You cannot serve your own divorce papers. A friend, relative or professional process server must deliver them correctly.

What this professional does

After filing, the other spouse must be formally served. California Courts self-help states that you cannot serve the papers yourself: someone else, such as a friend, relative or process server, must hand them the forms, and the step has strict rules. The court cannot move forward until service is done correctly.

A professional process server locates the person, delivers the documents and completes proof of service. They are useful when the other spouse is hard to find, avoiding service, or when you would rather not involve friends or family.

When to seek this help

  • You have filed and need the papers delivered.
  • Your spouse has moved, lives out of the area, or is avoiding contact.
  • There is tension, and you would prefer a neutral person handle delivery.

How to prepare

  • Filed copies of every document to be served.
  • A recent photo and description of your spouse.
  • Home and work addresses, and usual schedule if known.
  • Any safety concerns the server should know.

Questions to ask before hiring

  • Are you registered as a process server, and in which county?
  • Will you complete and sign the proof of service form?
  • How many attempts are included, and what does each cost?
  • How will you update me on attempts?

Checking qualifications

  • Ask for their registration details and confirm them with the issuing office before relying on them.
  • Ask the Family Law Facilitator or court self-help center which proof of service form your case needs.

Limits of this role

  • A process server cannot give legal advice about deadlines or what to do if service fails.
  • If service cannot be completed, ask the court self-help center or an attorney about alternatives.

Providers & resources to explore

External organization listed for information only. No endorsement, partnership or referral. Checked on its official website on November 6, 2026; confirm qualifications, availability and local service directly.

  • National Association of Professional Process Servers (NAPPS) (Association): Professional association with a find-a-server directory. Official website. Association office: 800-477-8211, administrator@napps.org. NAPPS Find a Server. Not a process-serving company. Confirm any listed server works in San Diego County and meets California requirements. Source checked 2026-11-06.

Frequently asked questions

Can I mail the divorce papers myself?

California Courts self-help says you cannot serve the papers yourself. Check the court's self-help pages for the accepted service methods for your documents.

Does a friend have to be a professional?

No. The court self-help page lists a friend or relative as an option, but they must follow the service rules correctly.

What happens after service?

The summons (form FL-110) explains that the other party has 30 calendar days after service to file a Response.

Related topics

Primary resources

This page is general education for San Diego County residents. It is not legal, tax, financial or mental health advice and has not been reviewed by an attorney. External organizations named here are informational listings only: no endorsement, partnership, referral or ranking is implied, and qualifications, availability and local service must be confirmed directly with each organization.