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Laurie Schmitt Family Law

W. Michigan family law specializing in Collaborative Divorce

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616-608-4634

  • Home
  • About Laurie Schmitt
    • About Laurie Schmitt Attorney
    • Honors and Awards
  • Divorce
    • Separate Maintenance
    • Spousal Support and Modification
  • Family Law Services
    • Child Custody
    • Paternity
    • Change of Domicile
    • Child Support
    • Post-Judgement Modification
    • Enforcement of Court Orders
    • Limited Scope Services
    • Uncontested Divorces
  • Alternative Divorce Options
    • Mediation
    • Collaborative Divorce
    • Uncontested Divorce Process
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  • Contact

What Does It Mean To Serve Someone With Divorce Documents?

December 30, 2022 By Laurie Schmitt

SERVICE OF THE DIVORCE DOCUMENTS

After the Complaint for Divorce has been filed with the clerk of the court, and the Summons has been issued, both documents must be served on the Defendant. Service can be in person (voluntary or by a process server) or by mail. 

VOLUNTARY ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICE

Serve divorce papers

If your spouse is willing to voluntarily accept service of the Complaint for Divorce and Summons, they must complete the Acknowledgement of Service found at the bottom of the second page of the Summons. Your spouse will be required to complete the Acknowledgment of Service listing the documents they received, as well as the day, date, and time of service. After your spouse has completed the Acknowledgment of Service, you must file the Summons and completed Acknowledgment of Service with the Clerk of the Court to show service of process has been completed.   

PROCESS SERVER

If your spouse will not accept service of the Complaint for Divorce and Summons, you may hire a process server to have your spouse served. A process server may be a sheriff, deputy sheriff, bailiff, or appointed court officer.  Process servers charge for their service, and the cost will vary.

After your spouse has been served with the Complaint for Divorce and Summons, the process server will complete the Affidavit of Service showing what documents were served, the name of the person served, as well as the date, time, and location of service of your spouse. This Affidavit of Service is then filed with the Clerk of the Court to show service of process has been completed.

MAIL

If your spouse will not accept service of the Complaint for Divorce and Summons, you may serve your spouse via U.S. Mail. The Complaint for Divorce and Summons must be mailed registered or certified mail. Once you have received the return receipt from the post office, you must attach it to a copy of the Summons and file it with the Clerk of the Court to show service of process has been completed.

GRAND RAPIDS COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE ATTORNEY SERVING KENT, OTTAWA, AND ALLEGAN COUNTY.

We understand that filing for divorce can be an emotional and confusing experience. That’s why we are committed to providing personalized service to each client we represent, and will be with you through this difficult journey. At Schmitt Law, PLLC we encourage clients to take a more collaborative approach to divorce that promotes positive communication and cooperation.  Through mediation or the collaborative divorce process, Laurie guides her clients through amicable divorce settlements so they can move forward with their life. To discuss your circumstances and legal options, contact Schmitt Law, PLLC at (616) 608-4634 to schedule a consultation. Or, contact us online to arrange a consultation.

Filed Under: Collaborative Divorce, Divorce Tagged With: Divorce, Divorce Papers

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Laurie K. Schmitt
Attorney, Mediator, and Collaborative Lawyer

401 Hall Street SW
Suite 112D
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Phone: 616-608-4634

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Laurie Schmitt of Schmitt Law, PLLC is a West Michigan family law attorney specializing in collaborative divorce as well as separation, divorce, child custody and support, paternity, and other family law litigation. She is licensed by Michigan State Bar and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, and has extensive advanced training in divorce mediation and collaborative divorce.

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