Whats the law on being served papers?

[lorrie]

In serving the other party divorce papers, in the state of Az. is their a time frame by law? for example, my x filed papers on 5/4/2001. I was served these papers on 5/24/2001. I did not sign for these papers. Now, the court doc's state I have 20 days to respond? if we go by the date of the filing, i was served on the 20th day. Isn't there a law that states you have to serve the other party within so many days of the filing? Help?

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

My response:

It's 20 days from the date you were served - - not from the filing date stamp.

Generally speaking, Court Rules allow Plaintiffs or Petitioners up to 60 days after filing a Complaint or Petition in which to effectuate service of process.

While you might be asked to sign for such documents, there's no necessity to do so. The person that served you the papers will file a "Proof of Service" with the court, declaring that the papers were served to you. That's all that's required.

Good luck to you.

IAAL