The providing of legal papers to other parties in a case is known as service. After service has been done, the person who served the papers must fill out an affidavit of service.This guide is intended to be a summary of basic procedures for serving the summons and complaint. Participate in Your Scheduled Hearing. Service of the complaint shall be made within twenty days after service of the demand. The service of process rules can be found in the Chapter 8 of the Consolidated Laws of New York. The Clerk of the Court will send the Writ of Summons to your mailing address, if you are the person who filed the document. The defendant typically has 30 days from the filing of the affidavit of service to answer, but this can vary based on court instructions. How long is jury service? Are jurors compensated?