How to Serve Divorce Papers in Los Angeles County

I’m Tim Blankenship from Divorce661. If you’re filing for divorce in Los Angeles County, one of the most important administrative steps is serving the petition and summons correctly. Improper service can stop your case in its tracks — but with the right process and forms, you can avoid costly delays.

Why Proper Service Matters

Service of process lets the court and your spouse know the case has started. If service isn’t done correctly or the court never receives proof, your case can be delayed or even require restarting. I’ve seen cases stalled for months because a required proof of service was never filed — a preventable setback that causes unnecessary stress and expense.

What You’ll Receive from the Court

After you file, the court provides stamped copies of two documents that must be served on your spouse:

• Petition (the paperwork that starts the divorce)
• Summons

These stamped copies are what the other party must receive for service to be effective.

Who Can Serve the Papers

California requires that the person who serves the documents be:

• At least 18 years old
• Not you (the person filing)

That means a friend, family member, professional process server, or another qualified adult should deliver the papers. If the server is a professional, they will typically provide a completed proof of service form for filing.

The Proof of Service: FL-115

After the papers are served, the person who performed the service must complete and file form FL-115 (Proof of Personal Service). This form tells the court how, when, and to whom the documents were delivered. As I say often, “This form is your ticket to ensuring the court acknowledges the service was done correctly.”

Service by Mail: FL-117 (When Your Spouse Is Cooperative)

If your spouse will cooperate, you can use mail service instead of personal delivery. For that method you’ll use form FL-117. Key points:

• The recipient must sign and return the form (acknowledging they received the documents).
• That signed form must then be filed with the court to validate the mail-based service.

Service by mail is convenient but only works when the other party agrees to receive papers this way and completes the required signature and return steps.

Common Mistakes That Stall Cases

• Failing to file the proof of service (FL-115) after documents were delivered — this is a frequent, serious error.
• Attempting to serve the papers yourself, which isn’t allowed.
• Using mail without getting the required signed acknowledgement (FL-117) when needed.
• Not using a reliable process server or missing deadlines for filing proof.

Real Case Example

One client’s divorce was stalled for months because a proof of service was never filed. The paperwork showed the papers had been handed over, but without FL-115 the court had no official record. We stepped in, corrected the paperwork, filed the proof properly, and got the case back on track — avoiding a complete restart. That kind of correction can save months of delay and additional expense.

Practical Tips to Avoid Problems

• Have someone over 18 (not you) serve the documents, or hire a professional process server.
• Confirm the server completes FL-115 immediately after service and files it with the court.
• If using mail, get the recipient to sign and return FL-117 and file it promptly.
• Keep copies of everything and track dates closely — timing matters in family law.
• Consider using a service that coordinates process servers and handles filing to reduce errors.

How Divorce661 Can Help

If you’d rather not coordinate service and forms yourself, we can handle it for you. Divorce661 offers flat-fee, 100% remote divorce services and can:

• Coordinate process servers
• Ensure FL-115 or FL-117 are completed and filed correctly
• Help prevent the delays that come from incomplete or missing paperwork

Visit Divorce661.com to schedule a free consultation and let us handle the service process quickly and correctly.

Quick Checklist: Serving Divorce Papers in Los Angeles County

• Obtain stamped copies of petition and summons from the court.
• Arrange for someone over 18 (not you) to serve the papers.
• Have the server complete and file FL-115 (Proof of Personal Service).
• If serving by mail, use FL-117 and ensure it’s signed, returned, and filed.
• Keep records and confirm filing with the court to avoid delays.

Conclusion

Serving divorce papers correctly is a small step with big consequences. Mistakes — especially failing to file the proof of service — can halt your case and cause months of delay. Follow the steps above, use the correct forms (FL-115 and FL-117), and get help when needed. If you want assistance, reach out to Divorce661 for a free consultation and let us help you move your case forward without unnecessary stress.