In the fall of 2024, the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) mailed letters to parents who once had an open dependency and/or severance case.
Did you receive a letter? Visit the DCS letter page for more information.
Can I serve this?
A small claims summons and complaint may be served by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested. Service is considered to be complete when the defendant signs for it. The return receipt must then be filed with the court, unless there is a permissible exception. See Rule 113 of Justice Court Rules of Civil Procedure. Service for other civil cases must be made in person by a sheriff, a sheriff’s deputy, or private process server. Some exceptions are set out in Rule 4.1 and 4.2 of Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure. See Rules 40-42 of Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure concerning service in family law cases.
Resources:
• Rule 113 of Justice Court Rules of Civil Procedure
• Rule 4.1 of Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure
• Rule 4.2 of Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure
• Rule 40 of Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure
• Rule 41 of Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure
• Rule 42 of Arizona Rules of Family Law Procedure