The Arizona Judicial Branch offers the ability to eFile Civil/Tax and Family Law documents in Maricopa County through authorized Electronic Filing Service Providers (EFSPs). We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the below resources and attend a training session prior to eFiling in a Civil, Tax, or Family case.
The defendant has 20 calendar days from service of process to file an answer (Form No. AOCLJCV4F) to the lawsuit. An answer is your written response that you file with the court admitting or denying the creditor's claims and the reasons why. The answer should respond to each element of the complaint.
You can send the court papers by giving the post office copies of the court papers in an envelope, postage prepaid, to be sent to the other party by any form of mail requiring a signed and returned receipt. This is often called Certified Mail, Restricted Delivery by the post office.
Unless Rule 4.1(c), (e), (f), or (g) applies, an individual may be served by: (1) delivering a copy of the summons and the pleading being served to that individual personally; (2) leaving a copy of each at that individual's dwelling or usual place of abode with someone of suitable age and discretion who resides there; ...
22-513 - Method of service. A. In addition to any other available methods of service, the plaintiff may serve the summons and complaint by registered or certified mail.
If the process server cannot serve you personally, they can leave a copy of the papers at your home with someone of suitable age and discretion. They may also deliver the documents to an agent who is authorized to receive service of process on your behalf.
Generally, your Summons and Complaint must be served within 90 days after you file the Complaint. (ARCP 4(i)) If you fail to serve the Defendants within 90 days, your Complaint will be dismissed.
You can go online at or in person at a court location closest to where you live. If you don't know where your court is you can use the court locator to find your local court .
If there is not a California or Local Court form to fit your situation, you will need to draft your own pleading or motion on pleading paper. The template below is already pre-formatted to meet the requirements of California Rules of Court, rules 2.100, et.
Change My Name An applicant can file their application and request a telephonic hearing or can appear in person on a Wednesday or a Thursday morning. If you file your application and request a hearing date, the Court will provide you with notice of your hearing date by mail.