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  • Writer's pictureAtlanta Process Servers

Georgia Process Serving Rules

The Georgia process serving rules are regulated by the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority. The rules provide guidelines for serving legal documents, including subpoenas, summonses, complaints, and writs, to individuals within the state of Georgia.


The rules provide guidelines for serving

The rules specify that service of process must be performed by a person over the age of 18 and not a party to the case. Service may be accomplished by personal delivery, substituted service, or constructive service. Personal delivery involves handing the document to the defendant in person. Substituted service involves leaving the document with an individual of suitable age and discretion at the defendant's residence or place of business. Constructive service involves publication in a newspaper if the defendant cannot be located or refuses to accept service.


Service may be accomplished by personal delivery, substituted service, or constructive service

The rules also outline the time frame for serving documents and the requirements for proof of service, including a signed affidavit or certificate of service. If service is not performed properly, the court may dismiss the case or take other appropriate action. In summary, the Georgia process serving rules provide guidelines for the proper delivery of legal documents to individuals within the state and outline the requirements for proof of service.

If service is not performed properly, the court may dismiss the case or take other appropriate action.

Things to Consider:

  • Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority is responsible for regulating process serving in Georgia.

  • Process serving refers to the delivery of legal documents, including subpoenas, summonses, complaints, and writs.

  • Service must be performed by a person over 18 years old who is not a party to the case.

  • Service may be performed through personal delivery, substituted service, or constructive service.

  • Personal delivery involves handing the document to the defendant in person.

  • Substituted service involves leaving the document with an individual of suitable age and discretion at the defendant's residence or place of business.

  • Constructive service involves publication in a newspaper if the defendant cannot be located or refuses to accept service.

  • Service must be performed within a specified time frame.

  • Proof of service must be provided to the court, either through a signed affidavit or certificate of service.

  • If service is not performed properly, the court may dismiss the case or take other appropriate action.

In summary, the Georgia process serving rules provide guidelines for the delivery of legal documents, specify who can perform service, outline the methods of service, specify the time frame for service, and outline the requirements for proof of service. Improper service can result in the case being dismissed or other consequences.


Improper service can result in the case being dismissed or other consequences.

Process servers are required to register with the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority.

  • Process servers must provide identification, insurance information, and a surety bond to be registered.

  • Process servers must comply with the rules and regulations of the Authority.

  • Process servers are required to keep accurate records of their service of process.

  • Process servers must serve legal documents in a professional and ethical manner.

  • Process servers must not interfere with the administration of justice or engage in any illegal activities.

  • Process servers must provide complete and accurate information on the certificate of service or affidavit of service.

  • Process servers must not make false statements or alter documents.

  • Process servers are prohibited from using deception or intimidation when serving process.

  • Process servers must serve legal documents in a timely manner and within the time frame specified by the court.

  • Process servers must make a good faith effort to locate and serve the defendant.

  • Process servers must use due diligence when attempting to serve process.

  • Process servers must comply with the applicable laws and rules regarding service of process in Georgia.

  • Process servers must not reveal confidential information obtained during the course of serving process.

  • Process servers must comply with the requirements for proof of service, including completing a certificate of service or affidavit of service.

  • Process servers must file the proof of service with the appropriate court or party.

  • Process servers must keep a record of their service of process and retain the records for a specified period of time.

  • Process servers are subject to disciplinary action by the Authority for violating the rules and regulations.

  • Process servers may appeal disciplinary decisions by the Authority to the Superior Court.

In summary, process servers in Georgia must register with the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority, comply with the rules and regulations, serve legal documents in a professional and ethical manner, make a good faith effort to locate and serve the defendant, comply with the requirements for proof of service, retain records of their service, and may face disciplinary action for violating the rules.


Make a good faith effort to locate and serve the defendant



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