At a Glance
- Used for: Serving documents later in a case, or before filing (e.g., subpoenas, notices)
- Access via: “Service of Process” under Place an Order on the dashboard
- Flexible: Supports both court-related serves and pre-litigation notices
- Optional filing: One Legal can file your proof of service automatically
Step 1: Start a New Service of Process Order
From your One Legal dashboard, locate the Place an Order container and select Service of Process.
This opens the stand-alone service of process workflow.
Step 2: Choose the Type of Serve
The first step is deciding whether your serve relates to:
- A court case — e.g., summons and complaint, subpoena, or other litigation documents
- A notice — e.g., a pre-litigation notice such as a Notice to Quit in an unlawful detainer matter
If you’re serving a notice, you’ll be able to select the appropriate service level (such as posting) later in the process.
If the serve relates to a court case, you’ll enter case details such as court name and case number.
- This information is used to generate the correct proof of service form.
- If you elect for One Legal to file the proof of service, these details ensure it’s filed accurately with the court.
Step 3: Upload Your Documents
Upload the full packet of documents to be served.
- Include all pages that must be delivered.
- Our team reviews the packet before dispatching to a process server.
- If anything is unclear or incomplete, we’ll contact you before proceeding.
Step 4: Enter Party to Serve Details
Provide as much information as you can about the party to be served, including:
- Full name and address
- Business name (if applicable)
- Physical description or photo (especially helpful for individual serves)
- Special instructions (e.g., gate codes, best hours for service)
The more complete the information, the more efficient and accurate the service will be.
Step 5: Choose a Service Level
Select the service level that best fits your needs:
- Standard, Rush, Registered Agent, Posting, or mailing.
Each service level has its own timeframe and cost, which you can preview during the workflow or at onelegal.com/pricing.
Step 6: Choose Whether One Legal Should File the Proof of Service
Before checkout, you can choose to have One Legal file your proof of service after successful completion.
- We file automatically using your own eFiling credentials, so it appears in your account and you receive all updates.
- If service is unsuccessful, a non-service affidavit is prepared but not filed.
Bundled vs. Stand-Alone Orders
| Feature / Use Case | File + Serve + File (Bundled) | Stand-Alone Service of Process |
|---|---|---|
| When to use | When filing a new case and serving the summons & complaint simultaneously | When serving later in a case (e.g., subpoena) or pre-litigation notices |
| How to access | Select File + Serve + File at the start of the filing workflow | Select Service of Process from the Place an Order container on the dashboard |
| Documents needed | Documents being eFiled with the new case | Complete packet of documents to be served |
| When service begins | After the court accepts the filing | As soon as reviewed and approved by One Legal |
| Optional review step | Available before dispatch (recommended for eFileCA courts) | Not applicable; you control the upload and review directly |
| Proof of service filing | Optional — can be filed automatically by One Legal | Optional — can be filed automatically by One Legal |