Serving Papers on Your Spouse
Service is required for the petition, the answer, and any other paperwork filed with the court. Service is accomplished by "serving" or in other words - delivering a copy of your paperwork to the other party.
Many movies about courtroom proceedings show a party surprised in court by the sudden introduction of paperwork, witnesses, or other evidence. In the real-world surprises are not allowed. In fact, your paperwork is invalid, your evidence is inadmissible, and your witnesses cannot testify if the other party does not know in advance what you are planning to show the court.
Petitions must be hand delivered to the opposing party by a sheriff or a certified process server. Answers, motions, copies of evidence, and witness lists may be mailed to the opposing party.
This is a complex area of law and courts require strict compliance. Make sure you know the rules before a do-it-yourself attempt.
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