How do I file a SC 104?
Robert Miller
Published Feb 22, 2026
How do I file a SC 104?
Tell the server to:
- Walk up to the person to be served.
- Say, “These are court papers.”
- Give the person copies of all the court papers.
- Fill out the Proof of Service (Small Claims) (Form SC-104 ), sign it on page 2, and return the completed form to you so that you can file it.
What is sc104?
Your server has to fill out a form called Proof of Service (SC-104) , for each person, business, or public entity served. The Proof of Service tells the court who was served, and when, where and how they were served.
What is sc105?
This form is used to ask the court to make an order before or after the trial in a small claims case. The court will notify all plaintiffs and defendants in this case about its decision by mail, at the trial, or at a hearing (depending on when the request is filed).
Can I serve someone myself?
Depending on your location, you may be able to serve papers yourself if you are 18 years or older and not a party to the case. However, other states require licensing or registration to be a professional process server.
How do you serve someone who is avoiding service?
When someone is evading service, you have two options. The first option is to hire a private process server, who delivers Complaints to Defendants and performs document retrievals on a litigant’s behalf. Process servers also perform skip traces to track down Defendants by using technology and surveillance techniques.
How do I write a proof of service?
A certificate of service must be signed by the person who made the service and must state: (1) the date and manner of service; (2) the name and address of each person served; and (3) if the person served is a party’s attorney, the name of the party represented by that attorney.
Can you be served by certified mail?
In the majority of states, you can serve papers by sending them to the defendant via certified mail with a return receipt requested. In some states, service by certified (or registered) mail is one among several ways you may serve papers. Normally, the court clerk does the mailing for you and charges a small fee.
How do I file a SC 135 form?
How do I file the motion?
- Get the form SC-135: Notice of Motion to Vacate Judgment.
- You must explain on the form why you did not come to court.
- File the form with the Small Claims Court Clerk’s Office at the court where your case was heard.
- Pay the filing fee.
Can a process server just leave papers at your door?
In most cases, a process server — someone who delivers official documents like citations, depositions, warrants, etc. on behalf of the court — can’t leave papers just sitting under the doormat, but there are situations when they might still serve the documents without the intended recipient present.
What happens if someone evades being served?
You will need to show the court how they evaded service. Additionally, the court can make orders for substituted service. This refers to orders for service that are not in person. Sometimes, service can even be issued via social media.