CIVIL SERVICE PROCESS
SUMMIT COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE – CIVIL DIVISION

“OUT OF STATE” INSTRUCTIONS :
When documents are filed outside the State of Ohio and you are requesting service in Summit County , Ohio law requires a certification form to be completed for “Out of State service”. The original of the signed certification form will need to be mailed to the Summit County Sheriff’s Office Civil Division at the address listed below.  (All forms, including this instruction sheet, are available on our website on the internet under the “Civil Process” tab.)

 Along with the certification form that is required to be mailed to our office, please send a complete set of papers to be served for each person and one additional copy of the summons / subpoena / order / other documents to be used for a return with our affidavit for service.    See link for the “Out of State Certification Form”.

 Please provide Instructions for Service indicating “personal or residential” service.  “Personal” service is defined as “being served in hand” only to the person / company to be served.  “Residential” service is served to anyone over the age of 16 at the service address who can sign in receipt of the document.

 Include your money order, certified or cashier’s check (a law firm check is also acceptable in the amount of $45.00 for each person to be served.)  Make your check payable “Sheriff of Summit County”. Please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope.

We will attempt service, and complete the return along with an “Affidavit for Service”. Please allow up to 3-4 weeks for service and return.

“STATE OF OHIO” INSTRUCTIONS :
When documents are filed in the State of Ohio and you are requesting service in Summit County , Ohio law requires the original document to be filed in the clerk of courts prior to processing for service. The original of the signed document and a copy to serve will need to be mailed to the Summit County Sheriff’s Office Civil Division at the address listed below.  Please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope.  (All forms, including this instruction sheet, are available on our website on the internet under the “Civil Process” tab.)

 Send an original summons / subpeona / order / other documents for each person and one additional copy for the return, to the Summit County Sheriff’s Office Civil Division at the address listed below.  You will be billed for the processing service according to fees set by the State of Ohio.  Please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope.

 Please provide Instructions for Service indicating “personal or residential” service.  “Personal” service is defined as “being served “in hand” only to the person / company to be served.  “Residential” service is served to anyone over the age of 16 at the service address who can sign in receipt of the document.

 We will attempt service and then complete the original return for your files.  Please allow up to 3-4 weeks for service and return.

 Cases where an affidavit of indigency is filed in the clerk of courts, a copy of the “affidavit of indigency” needs to be included for the fees to be waived.