Serving Process

Department of Finance


Cash Bail RefundsArrest WarrantsCourt FundsDeed Fraud


To have a summons or subpoena properly served, follow these steps:

Submission Requirements:

Provide the original summons, order of protection, or process along with two copies.

Complete a printed Service of Process Intake Sheet.

Include a check or money order payable to "NYC Sheriff" to cover the applicable fees.

Process Rules and Fees

Family Court Summonses:

For family court summonses, the Sheriff's Office must receive them at least three weeks before the court date. Paternity and support summonses are served at least eight days before the court date. There is a filing fee of $52.00 for each summons.

All family offense summonses must be served at least 24 hours before the court date, and there is no fee for serving these summonses.

Orders of Protection:

If there is a scheduled hearing, the respondent must be served at least 24 hours before the court date. There is no fee for serving orders of protection.

All Other Summonses or Processes:

For all other summonses or processes, the Sheriff's Office must receive them at least three weeks before the court date. The filing fee for these summonses or processes is $52.00.

Additionally, there is an extra $35.00 fee for each location where the summons is served after the initial request. This may include serving at home and at work, for example.

Seeking Assistance

If you need assistance or have questions regarding serving legal documents, please contact the Department of Finance.

Need help?

Contact the Department of Finance for assistance.

Online - Send us an email

In person - Schedule an appointment