You complete a Certificate of Service or Proof of Service form that describes how and when you served the papers. In most civil law suits, a person has 21 days in which to answer the complaint or petition.The following information is intended to provide guidance on how to successfully file a new civil or miscellaneous case in the District of Utah. The court clerk will schedule a trial date and complete the Summons, but you must arrange for serving it. Summons. Leave blank. The Affidavit and Summons must be served on the defendant at least 30 days before the trial date. You cannot serve the documents in your own case.