How to Serve Court Papers by Publication

Note: Please look at the fee waiver and deferral criteria to see if you meet the requirements to file a deferral for publication costs.

Once all forms are completed, the following steps need to occur:

1. Send Request to the Newspaper
   1. If you are paying the costs to publish, use any paper or general circulation.  Contact them to ensure they offer this service and then send them a letter making an official request ( pdf Sample Letter (76 KB) ).
2. Wait for the newspaper to publish the advertisement and send you the publication, an Affidavit of Service
3. Fill Out (Do NOT Sign) the Affidavit Showing Circumstances why Service by Publication was Used and About the Publication
   
   1. Attach a copy of the published notice from the newspaper
   2. Make 1 copy: Original - is filed with the Clerk; 1 - your records
4. File the court papers
   
   1. The original version of the Affidavit of Circumstances why Service by Publication was Used and About the Publication
   2. A copy of the publication notice
   3. The original Affidavit of Service by Publication that was sent by the newspaper
5. Attend the court hearing
   1. Be on time
   2. Dress neatly
   3. Find out if children are allowed in courtroom
   4. Bring a copy of the Petition, Notice of Hearing, Affidavit Showing Why Publication was Used, and Affidavit of Service with you