Service of Adversary Summons

Official Procedure Last Change April 23, 2019

Service of Adversary Summons (Summons Certificate of Service)

How to file:

Location of event: Adversary > Complaint & Summons > Summons/Amended Complaint/Plaintiff's Initial Pleadings > Summons Certificate of Service

 

General Information

  • The plaintiff in an adversary case is responsible for serving a copy of the summons, complaint and pre trial order, if any, on all defendants.
  • A Certificate of Service must be filed with the Court within 10 days of the issuance of the summons by the Court.

Filing requirements

  • The Certificate must be signed by the filing party.
  • It is recommended that either the Certificate of Service form attached to the Summons be used, or the fillable version available on the Court's website.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Log into CM/ECF.

2. Select Adversary > Complaint & Summons > Summons/Amended Complaint/Plaintiff's Initial Pleadings.

3. Enter case number (in the format xx-xxxxx) and click Next.

4. Select Summons Certificate of Service from the event list and click Next.

5. Select the party filer. If the party is not listed, or cannot be selected, view instructions on adding a new party. Click Next.

Note: The "Attorney/Party Association” screen may appear. If your party selection was correct, check the box to create an association and click Next.

6. Browse to attach the document to be filed (pdf file). Click Next.

7. All Summonses currently on the docket are displayed. If not already selected, check box next to the summons to which your Certificate of Service relates and click Next.

8. Enter the name(s) of the party or parties who were served and click Next.

9. Final docket text is displayed. Click Next.

10. Verify final docket text. If correct, click Next to submit.

Note: The Notice of Electronic Filing displays giving you the document number. Copies of this notice are immediately e-mailed to all participants who receive electronic notification in the case.