Ohio State Process Service

$159 - $209

In Ohio, process serving is governed by the Ohio Rules of Civil Procedure and local rules. Below is an overview of general rules and methods for serving legal documents in Ohio:

Methods of Service

Certified or Express Mail (Preferred Method)
- Documents are sent via certified or express mail, requiring a return receipt.
- The clerk of courts generally oversees this process, and service is complete upon delivery.
Personal Service
- A process server (sheriff, bailiff, or an authorized individual) physically delivers the documents to the person being served.
- If the defendant refuses the documents, the server can leave them in the person's vicinity.
Residential Service
- If personal service is not possible, the process server may leave the documents at the recipient’s usual place of residence with someone of suitable age and discretion.
Service by Publication
- If the defendant's address is unknown, and other methods have failed, service by publication is permissible.
- This involves publishing a notice in a local newspaper or another authorized publication for a specified period.

Timing and Deadlines

Service must generally be completed within six months of filing the complaint, or the case risks dismissal unless good cause is shown for the delay.

Who Can Serve Process?

Service can be performed by:
- A sheriff or deputy
- A bailiff
- An individual specifically appointed by the court
- An attorney may also request service via certified mail.

Proof of Service

After serving, the server must provide proof of service:
- For personal and residential service, an affidavit or return receipt is filed with the court.
- For certified mail, the signed return receipt is evidence of successful service.
- For publication, proof typically involves submitting a copy of the publication and an affidavit from the publisher.

Special Considerations

Minors and Incompetents: Service on minors or those deemed legally incompetent requires delivery to a guardian or legal representative.

Businesses: Service on a corporation can be completed by delivering documents to an officer, a managing agent, or someone designated to receive service.