Glossary

Attorney service terms, defined.

Everything you'd need to know to talk to a process server, eFiling clerk, or court runner. Search the list, or jump by letter.

A

Affidavit of Service (AOS · Proof of Service · POS): The sworn statement by a process server confirming when, where, and how a defendant was served. Filed with the court so the case can move forward. Most California courts use the POS-040 form for personal service.

Bonded: A process server is bonded when they've posted a surety bond with their county. It's a financial guarantee that protects clients if the server commits misconduct. Required of all California Registered Process Servers in counties with 10+ servers.

Concierge E-Filing: Our done-for-you eFiling service: you send us the PDF, we pre-flight every page, pick the right document type, attach exhibits, and file. The opposite of DIY portal filing — best when you want it off your plate.
Conformed copy: A copy of a filed document that's been stamped by the court showing the filing date. Conformed copies prove your document was actually accepted. We deliver them by email the moment the court releases them.
Court Reservation System (CRS): LASC's online tool for reserving motion hearing dates before filing. We use it routinely so your filing date and hearing date line up the first time.

Deposition Officer: An officer authorized by California law to issue subpoenas and handle the documents produced in response. We're a registered Subpoena Deposition Officer — we navigate Evidence Code §1560-1565 so you don't have to.
Diligence: The good-faith record of attempts a process server makes to serve a defendant. Required when seeking court permission for substituted or posted service. We document every attempt with timestamps, locations, and notes.
Drop service: When a server identifies the person to be served and then physically leaves the documents at their feet or near them. Allowed in California when the person refuses to take the documents.

E-Filing: Electronic filing of court documents through a state-approved Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP). California requires e-Filing for civil and family law cases in 38+ counties. We handle DIY portal filings at $16.50 and Concierge filings at $55.50.
E-Recording: Electronic submission of documents to a County Recorder. California recorders accept eRecording statewide — we submit directly to the recorder's system, no in-person trip needed.
EFM (Electronic Filing Manager) fee: The fee the state's eFiling vendor charges to process a filing — separate from the court filing fee and from our service fee. Passed through at cost.

Fee advancement: When we pay the court filing fees up front on your behalf and bill you back. Two rates: 10% standard, or 3.75% if you keep a card on file. Lets us file urgent matters without waiting for your accounting team.

NAPPS: National Association of Professional Process Servers. The industry body for vetted process servers. We use NAPPS-licensed agents exclusively — licensed, bonded, insured in their jurisdiction.

Personal service: Hand-delivering documents directly to the person being served. The gold standard of service of process — and what we attempt first on every job.
POS-040: The California Judicial Council form used to prove personal service. The Affidavit of Service of an opposing party. We complete and file it automatically when service is concierge.
Posted service: Court-approved physical posting of summons on the property of someone who can't be personally served. Usually requires a motion and a court order showing diligent attempts first.
Process server: A person who delivers legal documents to parties in a lawsuit. In California, a Registered Process Server (RPS) is licensed by the county, bonded, and required to follow specific rules about identification, timing, and proof.
Proof of Delivery (POD): Our internal proof artifact for any messenger or service job — GPS coordinates, timestamp, and (for service of process) a photo at the location. Emailed to you the moment the job completes.
Proof of Service (POS · AOS): See Affidavit of Service.

Recorder: The county office that maintains the public record of property and other legal documents (deeds, mortgages, liens, UCCs). Every California county has one. We submit directly via E-Recording.
Registered Process Server (RPS): A process server licensed by a California county. RPS status requires a bond, registration, and ongoing compliance with Business & Professions Code §22350 et seq.
Rush: Our middle-priority tier: same-day service when received before our regional cutoff. Typically 2pm PT in Southern California; earlier for outlying regions.

Service of Process: Delivering a copy of a legal document (summons, subpoena, complaint, etc.) to the party being notified, in a manner authorized by law. The constitutional foundation of due process.
Skip tracing: Locating someone whose address is wrong, old, or unknown. We use real-time data sources (not stale aggregator sites) plus licensed PI partners for fieldwork. 80%+ success rate.
Standard: Our base-priority tier: next business day service. The default unless you ask for Rush, Today, or Messenger Xpress.
Subpoena: A court order requiring a person to appear at a deposition or produce documents. Often paired with a Deposition Officer to handle the document custody chain.
Substituted service: When personal service can't be made after diligent attempts, California allows leaving the documents with a competent adult at the defendant's home or workplace, plus mailing a copy. Strictly governed by CCP §415.20.
Summons: The court-issued document that notifies a defendant they're being sued and how to respond. Almost always served with the Complaint.

Today: Our top-priority tier: service or filing within 1-3 hours of receipt. Subject to court hours and capacity. Best initiated by phone.
Turbo Court: California's branded online tool for self-represented parties to file specific matters (mostly small claims, some family). Some counties (e.g. San Bernardino) accept Turbo Court filings.

Wait and Return: A Messenger Express option where the driver waits at the courthouse for a clerk-stamped copy before returning to you. Adds ~$55/hour but saves a same-day round trip when you need the conformed copy right now.

If something's unclear, just ask — we'll get back within a business hour and add anything new to this glossary.