California
Can I serve the custody papers myself in California?
Quick answer
No. Someone else who is at least 18 and not a party to the case has to deliver or mail the papers, and that person fills out the proof of service. A friend, a relative who is not involved in the case, the sheriff, or a professional process server can do it.
Researched by Dan Martin, Legal Researcher · Published by Onbello Legal · Last updated October 2026
What the law says
Code of Civil Procedure section 414.10 says a summons may be served by any person who is at least 18 years of age and not a party to the action. The Judicial Council information sheets apply the same rule to a Request for Order: FL-300-INFO item 12 says “You cannot serve the papers” and lists a friend, a relative who is not involved in your case, a sheriff, or a professional process server. FL-320-INFO item 10 says the same for a response.
For service by mail, FL-300-INFO item 14 adds that the server must be 18 or over and live or work in the county where the mailing took place. The information sheet for the proof of personal service (FL-330-INFO) says the person who serves the documents must complete the proof of service, and that you cannot serve documents if you are a party to the action.
What to do next
Give your server a copy of everything you filed, plus the blank forms rule 5.92(f)(4) requires: a blank FL-320, and a blank FL-150 if you are serving a completed FL-150 or FL-155. Serve copies, not your originals. After service, the server completes FL-330 (personal service) or FL-335 (mail), and FL-300-INFO says to file it at least 5 court days before the hearing.
Last checked against the sources above on October 6, 2026.
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