Court-ready starts before the first attempt.
A practical preparation checklist for counsel and legal teams. Confirm the current statute, rules, local orders and case-specific directions before service.
01 / AUTHORITYCheck the server, then the assignment.
Seventh Circuit AO CV-2024-021-SJ endorses St. Johns’ sheriff-appointed Special Process Server program under section 48.021. The order notes that individual Rule 1.070(b) motions may be unnecessary and judges may deny them. Confirm the proposed server’s current county appointment and scope with the appropriate authority; another county’s credentials do not automatically establish this appointment. Official authorization resource. Section 48.021 and applicable court rules address service authority; check the actual process, appointment and territorial scope.
02 / THE PACKETIssued papers. Complete instructions.
The St. Johns Clerk’s Civil resources separate filing an eviction complaint, service of the issued summons and a later writ of possession. Obtain the issued papers for the actual relief sought and check current case-management directions. A pre-suit notice and the filed lawsuit are different steps; sheriff execution after judgment is a separate task. Use the Clerk’s current resources. Include the case number, named parties, issued process, pleadings and required attachments. Confirm applicable case-management orders and any out-of-state instructions with counsel.
03 / THE METHODMatch the method to the relief.
Chapter 48 has different provisions for individuals, business entities and possession actions. Section 48.183 has prerequisites for possession posting and associated Clerk mailing; an unsuccessful attempt alone does not authorize posting. Confirm the proper method and relief with counsel.
04 / THE RETURNKeep the record complete.
Under section 48.21, the return records receipt and service dates/times, manner, person served, representative capacity where applicable, documents served and the server’s signature. Review the completed return against the issued packet and the court’s filing instructions.
For civil summons and subpoenas, consult the current applicable rules, including Rules 1.070 and 1.410 where relevant. Family, small-claims, federal and out-of-state matters may have different requirements. Identify the deadline from the actual papers and case orders; this page does not calculate it.
Enforcement is a separate route: writs of possession, levies and other enforceable orders need the appropriate authorized officer and instructions. Consult the St. Johns County Sheriff for its procedures. Sheriff fees, copy requirements and execution schedules are separate from a DocketServe quote.
Official sources checked October 23, 2026. General preparation guidance, not an exhaustive legal checklist or legal advice. Counsel should confirm case-specific requirements and changes before dispatch.
For covered civil cases, review Seventh Circuit AO CV-2024-023-SC and the case’s Uniform Case Management Order. Confirm current service requirements, return filing, exemptions and any extension request with counsel; do not apply a general website timeline to every case. The Seventh Circuit uniform order also directs service of the case-management order on the other parties and a filed notice of that service. Check the order entered in the case for the applicable deadline and any exemption; include required order delivery in the packet plan.
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