How to serve your spouse

You cannot serve your own spouse. The law requires a third party (someone over 18 who is not a party to the case) to deliver the papers.

Option 1: Voluntary acceptance. Your spouse signs FL-117 (Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt). Cost: $0. The fastest path if your spouse is cooperative.

Option 2: Process server. A licensed server hands them the papers and files an FL-115 Proof of Service. Cost: typically $50–$100. Use if your spouse won't voluntarily sign.

Option 3: Sheriff service. The county sheriff serves the papers. Cost: about $40 in most counties. Slower, but trusted in court and useful in safety-sensitive situations.

You cannot mail the papers yourself. You cannot ask a relative to do it. The wrong person serving the papers makes the entire service invalid.

Once served, the 6-month clock starts. The Proof of Service (FL-115 or FL-117) gets filed with the court. This is the linchpin of your timeline — get it right.