What this service is
In Massachusetts civil actions, a subpoena is issued by a clerk, a notary public or a justice of the peace, and Rule 45(c) provides that it may be served by any person who is not a party and is at least 18 years old. Service methods listed in the rule include delivering a copy to the witness, exhibiting and reading it, or leaving a copy at the witness’s last and usual place of abode.
When attendance is commanded, the rule ties service to tendering fees for one day’s attendance and mileage. Witness fees are set by statute (G.L. c. 262, § 29); we ask you to tell us the amount to be tendered and how it will be provided. Federal subpoenas follow Fed. R. Civ. P. 45, which also requires tender of one day’s fee and mileage when attendance is required.
What to provide
- The issued subpoena (signed by the issuing clerk, notary public or justice of the peace, or by counsel for a federal subpoena)
- Any schedule, notice of deposition or records request that must accompany it
- The hearing, deposition or production date, time and place
- Witness-fee and mileage instructions, including the check or funds to be tendered when attendance is required
- For records subpoenas: the organization, the custodian if known, and confirmation that prior notice to the parties has been handled as required
Forms for this service
Download the blank PDF, or fill it in your browser and download a completed copy. Signature, issuer and notary sections are completed by hand.
Commands production of documents, ESI or tangible things in a Massachusetts civil action without personal appearance (Mass. R. Civ. P. 45).
Attachment to the records-only subpoena listing each records request, date range and ESI format.
Optional custodian certification identifying a records production, with an optional business-records statement and a Massachusetts jurat.
Commands a witness to attend and testify at a deposition, with optional production (Mass. R. Civ. P. 30 and 45). Includes a return-of-servi…
Attachment listing documents or evidence a deponent is commanded to bring and produce.
Official federal form for a subpoena to testify at a hearing or trial in a U.S. District Court civil action.
Official federal form for a subpoena to testify at a deposition, with optional production.
Official federal form for a subpoena to produce documents or permit inspection of premises.
Templates are general forms, not legal advice. Each form page explains who signs it and how. Browse the full Document Center.
Who typically requests it
How intake works
- Step 1
Complete the subpoena service form
Answer the questions for this document and upload the complete set. You can save and finish later.
- Step 2
Receive your reference number
You and Civil Constable both receive an email confirmation. Your request is now in the review queue — not yet accepted.
- Step 3
Review
We check that the subpoena appears to be issued and complete, that the event date leaves enough time for service, that fee-tender instructions are present where attendance is required, and that the witness or custodian is identifiable at the address provided.
- Step 4
Scope, quote and authorization
If the assignment can be accepted, you review and authorize the written scope and quote in your portal. Work begins after authorization.
- Step 5
Attempts and completion record
Attempts follow the accepted plan. You receive status updates and the applicable return or completion record.
Important limitations
- We serve subpoenas that have already been issued. We do not issue subpoenas or decide what they should command.
- We do not advise on objections, privilege, protected records (such as medical records) or the place of compliance.
- Witness fees and mileage must be supplied by the requester when required.
