Need a subpoena served in Lynn or Salem? Civil Constable provides subpoena service in Lynn and Salem for Massachusetts and federal civil subpoenas: witnesses, deposition subpoenas and records custodians. Subpoena service is governed by court rule rather than by a constable's town appointment, so we can review North Shore subpoena assignments. This page covers the local courts, the rules that apply and what to send.

General information, not legal advice. Civil Constable is not a law firm.

What we serve in Lynn and Salem, and what we don't

  • We serve:
    • Massachusetts civil subpoenas: deposition, records-only, and hearing or trial
    • Federal civil subpoenas: Forms AO 88, AO 88A and AO 88B
  • Why we can: under Mass. R. Civ. P. 45(c) and Fed. R. Civ. P. 45(b)(1), any non-party adult may serve a subpoena.
  • We don't offer constable service of a summons and complaint in Lynn or Salem. A constable's authority under G.L. c. 41, § 92 is limited to the appointing town. For a summons and complaint, use the Essex County Sheriff's civil process division, or a special process server appointed by the court under Rule 4(c). See Constables and process servers in Massachusetts.

Courts in Lynn and Salem

  • Lynn District Court, 580 Essex St., Lynn
  • Northeast Housing Court, with sessions in Lynn and in Salem
  • Salem District Court, 56 Federal St., Salem
  • Essex County Superior Court, 56 Federal St., Salem

Your subpoena may come from one of these courts, or from a case pending anywhere else in Massachusetts or in federal court. A Massachusetts hearing or trial subpoena may be served at any place within the Commonwealth (Mass. R. Civ. P. 45(e)), and a federal subpoena at any place within the United States (Fed. R. Civ. P. 45(b)(2)).

Rules that matter for a Lynn or Salem subpoena

  • Who and how. A non-party adult may serve it by delivering a copy to the person, by exhibiting and reading it to them, or by leaving a copy at their place of abode (Mass. R. Civ. P. 45(c)).
  • Witness fees. When attendance is commanded, one day's fee and mileage are tendered with the subpoena, except for government-issued subpoenas. The general Massachusetts witness fee is six dollars a day and ten cents a mile (G.L. c. 262, § 29).
  • Records-only subpoenas. A copy goes to each party before the subpoena is served on the records custodian (Rule 45(d)).
  • Distance limits. Outside hearings and trials, a Massachusetts resident generally can't be required to attend or produce more than 50 airline miles from home, work or business (Rule 45(d)).
  • Objections. A written objection to a document subpoena is due within 10 days after service, or by compliance if that is sooner (Rule 45(d)).

Step-by-step guides: Subpoena service in Massachusetts and Federal subpoena forms AO 88, AO 88A and AO 88B.

What to send us

  • the issued subpoena, with any Schedule A
  • the witness or custodian's name and the Lynn or Salem service address
  • the deposition, production, hearing or trial date
  • fee-tender instructions, if attendance is commanded
  • for records-only subpoenas, confirmation that the parties were served first

We review the subpoena type, timing and address before accepting the assignment. Accepted assignments come with documented attempts and a return through the client portal.

Have a Lynn or Salem subpoena to serve? Submit a subpoena service request.

Frequently asked questions

Do you serve subpoenas in Lynn and Salem?

Yes. We review Massachusetts and federal civil subpoenas for Lynn and Salem addresses. Subpoenas may be served by any non-party adult under Rule 45.

Who serves a summons and complaint in Essex County?

Under Mass. R. Civ. P. 4(c): a sheriff or deputy sheriff, another person duly authorized by law, or a person specially appointed by the court. We don't offer constable service of summonses in Lynn or Salem.

How much is the witness fee?

Generally six dollars a day and ten cents a mile for travel out and home (G.L. c. 262, § 29). Check whether a different provision applies to your proceeding.

Official sources

Reviewed October 2026.

Topics: AttorneysNorth ShoreSubpoenas