How do you serve someone papers in PA?

How do you serve someone papers in PA?

For all domestic cases in Pennsylvania, either the sheriff or a competent adult may serve process by handing the defendant a copy of the divorce papers, handing a copy to an adult member of the family at his or her residence, or a person in charge of the residence, such as the clerk or manager of the hotel, inn.

How long do you have to serve a complaint in PA?

within 30 days
(a) Original process shall be served within the Commonwealth within 30 days after the issuance of the writ or the filing of the complaint. See Rule 404 for the time for service outside the Commonwealth.

Can you be served by mail in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania allows for a defendant to be served via personal service by handing a copy to the defendant or by delivering a copy to an adult family household member at the defendant’s residence. Pennsylvania also permits service of process by mail. Process can be served by mail requiring a signature of the defendant.

Who can serve process in Pennsylvania?

Code § 400. Rule 400 – Person to Make Service (a) Except as provided in subdivisions (b) and (c) and in Rules 400.1 and 1930.4, original process shall be served within the Commonwealth only by the sheriff.

What is a civil complaint in PA?

What is a Civil Complaint? The complaint is the document that you file with the magisterial district court to begin your civil action against a person or business. You are listed as the plaintiff and the person you are suing is the defendant.

How much does it cost to file a civil complaint in PA?

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? The filing fee ranges between $50.00 and $110.00 depending on the amount of damages you are requesting. IF you are successful, this cost will be passed on to the person you sue, the defendant. You can request to proceed in forma pauperis.

How do you file a civil lawsuit against someone?

Filing a form to start or defend a case

  1. Register or log in to the Online Registry.
  2. Click on the ‘Start or defend a case’ tab.
  3. Select the appropriate form.
  4. Complete the form online.
  5. Pay the appropriate fee to submit your form.

How long do you have to file a civil suit in PA?

Generally speaking, if a lawsuit is to be filed, it must be done within two years of the date the injury-causing event occurred. However, Pennsylvania does have what is known as a discovery rule. This rule can extend the length of time a person has to file suit in some cases.