Proof of Service of Summons (POS-010) Tells the court that you had a summons or other legal papers delivered to (served on) the other party in a case. Lists the papers that were served and tells who they were served on, where, when, and how they were served, and who served them.
After service to the defendants, the original summons, along with the "return of service" proving the summons and complaint were served, is filed with the court to show that each defendant was served. A summons differs from a subpena, which is an order to a witness to appear.
This is the date on which you must appear in court and answer the complaint. A default judgment may be entered against you, if you do not show in court on the date. The return date is typically set within 30 days of the date of service. You will receive notice of the return date when you are served with the lawsuit.
(The “return date” of a summons is the date to respond or face default.) Different courts have different forms and different time limits. And note that by having the summons issued, a party suddenly can invoke the full power of the civil courts to obtain relief.
Follow these three steps to respond to your debt lawsuit in Massachusetts Answer each issue of the Complaint. Assert affirmative defenses and counterclaims. File the Answer with the court and serve the plaintiff.
For successful service on a defendant who is a person, the sheriff or constable must personally hand a copy of the summons and complaint to the defendant, leave the copies at the defendant's last and usual place of abode (last known residence), or deliver the copies to an agent authorized to receive service of process ...
The term Return date means the day named in a writ or other form of legal process as the date when the response to that paper must be made. Return date, in case of divorce cases is the date on which the stipulated waiting period for a divorce begins. It is also the date by which the defendant should file an appearance.
⌦ Return Date: The date that the Defendant must file his/her answer by and/or appear in Court, which is listed on the Summons. ⌦ May: In legal terms, “may” is defined as “optional” or “can.” ⌦ Shall: In legal terms, “shall” is defined as “required.” If you do not understand this information, please contact an attorney.
(a) All documents e-filed must be served Except as otherwise provided in the Massachusetts Court Rules and Orders, or as otherwise ordered by the court, all electronically filed documents must be served on all other parties. Any document filed through the e-filing system must include a certificate of service.