If you have an uncontested case, the other parent, or opposing party, may give you a notarized answer to file at the same that the you file your complaint or petition and you will not have to do service. The Clerk of the Court will send the Writ of Summons to your mail address, as plaintiff. Attach the original copy of the summons to one copy of all of the forms that you filed with the court. These papers must be served on the other side. If the case is uncontested, and the other side gives you a notarized answer to the complaint, which you file at the time you file your complaint, you do not have do service of process.
Service of process is accomplished by the filing of the notarized affidavit.
This can save at least 30 days and expedite the date for a hearing. Service can be made in one of several ways. You need to choose a method of service. Whichever method you choose, proof that the other side was served must be filed with the court. A person can be served at home, at work, or anywhere else the person happens to be.