Process Serving FAQ

How much does a process server cost in California?

Standard process serving in Contra Costa County starts at $110 per location through Northbound Legal. That includes multiple documented attempts and a court-compliant proof of service. Rush service (24-48 hrs) adds $50-$100. Same-day Surge service adds $85-$200. Evictions, restraining orders, and other urgent matters are quoted from the same base pricing framework, with urgency and access factors confirmed up front.

See full 2026 pricing breakdown ?

What is included in the standard process serving fee?

Multiple service attempts at varied times (mornings, evenings, and weekends), GPS-timestamped attempt documentation, and a court-compliant Proof of Service delivered electronically on the day of completion. No surprise add-on fees for the proof of service form or status updates.

Do I pay extra if service is not completed on the first attempt?

No. Northbound Legal includes multiple attempts in the standard rate. You are not billed per attempt. If the defendant genuinely cannot be served and skip tracing or a stakeout is needed, those are quoted separately with your approval first.

Do I pay per person served or per address?

Per address. If two defendants live at the same address, one service fee typically covers both. If they live at different addresses, each address is billed separately.

How many attempts does a process server make?

Northbound Legal makes multiple service attempts at varied times ? mornings, evenings, and weekends ? to maximize first-contact success. If initial attempts fail, we discuss substituted service or skip tracing options with you before incurring additional fees.

How long does process serving take in California?

Standard service in Contra Costa County is completed within 3?5 business days. Rush service (24?48 hours) and same-day Surge service are available for urgent matters. Difficult or evasive defendants may require additional attempts.

Do you offer same-day process service?

Yes. Same-day Surge service is available for orders received before 2 PM. A four-hour service window is targeted from order confirmation. Surge pricing is confirmed upfront before you commit.

View same-day service options ?

What is personal service vs. substituted service?

Personal service means the process server hands documents directly to the named individual. Substituted service is used when personal service is not possible after reasonable attempts ? papers are left with a competent adult (18+) at the defendant's home or workplace, and a copy is mailed to the same address. Both methods are legally valid in California when executed correctly.

Can a process server leave papers at the door?

Not for valid service. Simply leaving papers at a door without handing them to a person does not constitute personal or substituted service in California. Substituted service requires leaving papers with a competent adult ? not an unattended doorstep.

Can you serve small claims papers in Contra Costa County?

Yes. We serve small claims papers throughout Contra Costa County. Small claims papers must be served by a non-party adult at least 15 calendar days before the hearing date for in-county defendants, or 20 days for out-of-county defendants.

Small claims service guide ?

Can I serve my own court papers?

No. California law requires service to be performed by someone who is not a party to the case and is at least 18 years old. You cannot serve your own papers ? whether for small claims, civil suits, or any other court matter.

How many days before a small claims hearing must papers be served?

At least 15 calendar days before the hearing if the defendant is in the same county. At least 20 calendar days if the defendant is in a different California county.

Can you serve subpoenas?

Yes. We serve personal appearance subpoenas, deposition subpoenas, and business records subpoenas throughout Contra Costa County, Alameda County, and the Bay Area.

Subpoena service ? Richmond ?

Can you serve restraining orders?

Yes. Restraining orders and domestic violence protective orders (TRO/DVRO) are handled with priority scheduling given their time-sensitive nature. Standard process serving starts at $110, and any rush or same-day pricing is confirmed before dispatch.

What types of documents can a process server serve?

Summons and complaints, small claims papers, subpoenas, eviction notices (unlawful detainer), restraining orders (DVRO/TRO), divorce and family law papers, wage garnishments, orders of examination, bank levies, and most other civil court documents.

Do you provide proof of service?

Yes. Every completed serve includes a court-compliant Proof of Service (POS-010 for civil matters, FL-115 for family law) delivered electronically ? typically within hours of successful service.

What is a Proof of Service and do I need to file it?

A Proof of Service is a sworn declaration by the process server stating when, where, and how documents were served. In most California civil cases, you must file the Proof of Service with the court before your hearing date. Northbound Legal provides a complete, court-ready POS. Filing is handled by you or your attorney unless court filing service is specifically requested.

Can you file the proof of service with the court for me?

Court filing (eFiling or in-person) is available as an add-on for Contra Costa County Superior Court and select Bay Area courts. Ask at intake if you need this service.

What areas do you cover?

Our primary service area is Contra Costa County ? Richmond, San Pablo, Pinole, El Cerrito, Martinez, Walnut Creek, Concord, Antioch, Pittsburg, Brentwood, and surrounding cities. We also cover Alameda County (Oakland, Berkeley, and beyond) and Marin County on a regular basis.

Full service area coverage ?

Do you serve documents outside of Contra Costa County?

Yes. We cover Alameda County cities including Oakland, Berkeley, and Fremont regularly. For service requests in other Bay Area counties, contact us to confirm availability before ordering.

What happens if the person to be served cannot be found?

If the defendant cannot be located at the address provided, we document all attempts and notify you. Options include skip tracing to locate a current address, attempting service at an alternate location such as a workplace, or ? in some circumstances ? applying for court permission to serve by publication or mail.

What is skip tracing and when do I need it?

Skip tracing is the process of locating a defendant whose current address is unknown or who has moved since the case was filed. If your first service attempt fails because the defendant no longer lives at the address you provided, skip tracing can help identify a current home or business address. It is quoted separately and only added with your approval.

What is same-day Surge service and how does it work?

Surge service is Northbound Legal's same-day process serving tier for urgent matters. When you select Surge, your order is immediately prioritized and assigned to an available server. A four-hour service window is targeted from order confirmation. Surge pricing is shown upfront before you confirm ? no surprises on the invoice.

Same-day Surge service details ?