filing petition for custody and must serve papers

[hambygal]

I am going to be filing a petition for custody in Monroe County. I was told over the phone that I need to come in, fill out paper work, and pay $122. I was also told that if I serve the petition myself it would only cost $100. That is the route I'm going to take, but need to know what legal procedures I must follow for this to be legal. Thanks!

 

[Theresagail]

I have never heard of the Plaintiff physically serving the defendant, and if you did I would think this would be free--- You need to get the paper work fill it out pay the court fees and hire a constable to serve them (40-100$) this way it is served properly and then go to court. I would not suggest serving this yourself as you are a party to the case.

 

[irish223]

I agree with Theresa. I suspect that the person on the phone meant that if you arranged service yourself, rather than through the court, the court costs would be less. I doubt that the person meant that you should serve personally.

You should also make sure that you know the proper court procedures. Many courts provide a pamphlet or online directions. These can vary from state to state, county to county. You're in Monroe County, but you didn't say which state. When you fill out the forms, ask for information on court procedure.

 

[pueblonative]

I thought that "service" had to be done by a disinterested third-party.

 

[Duranie]

I agree, you cannot serve the papers yourself. Start calling around to process servers. i think the court person was confused.