Summons and Complaint Service in Massachusetts

What this service is

Massachusetts Rule of Civil Procedure 4(c) permits service of process by a sheriff or deputy sheriff, by any other person duly authorized by law, or by a person specially appointed by the court. A constable’s authority under G.L. c. 41, § 92 is limited to the appointing town and to actions within the dollar limits set by the constable’s bond.

Rule 4(j) generally requires service of the summons and complaint within 90 days after the complaint is filed. The requesting party and their counsel remain responsible for their own deadline; we ask for the filing date so we can assess whether the requested timeline is workable.

What to provide

• The summons for each defendant, completed as issued by the court
• The complaint with all exhibits, and any civil action cover sheet or tracking order that must be served with it
• The date the complaint was filed
• The defendant’s full legal name; for a business, its exact registered name and registered or resident agent if known
• The service address and any alternate addresses

Who typically requests it

• Attorneys and law firms
• Out-of-state firms with Massachusetts defendants
• Businesses
• Self-represented plaintiffs

How intake works

1. Step 1

   Complete the summons and complaints form

   Answer the questions for this document and upload the complete set. You can save and finish later.

2. 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.

3. Step 3

   Review

   We check the court, the parties, the amount at issue, the service address and the filing date. When the assignment falls outside a constable’s statutory authority — for example because of the amount at issue or the location — we tell you, and in some cases a court order appointing a special process server may be the appropriate route for you and your counsel to consider.

4. 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.

5. Step 5

   Attempts and completion record

   Attempts follow the accepted plan. You receive status updates and the applicable return or completion record.

Important limitations

• A constable may not be authorized to serve every summons. Authority depends on the town, the document and the amount at issue.
• We do not determine the proper method of service for your case or calculate your deadline.
• Service on a business entity requires identification of a person authorized to accept service; we cannot assume that any employee may accept.