Can you be served via voicemail?
Isabella Turner
Updated on February 11, 2026
You cannot be served by voicemail or telephone call. It could be a scam as it is uncommon for a person trying to serve you to call you first. That said, it might be that you are in fact being sued and the plaintiff or process server is giving you…
How is a court summons delivered UK?
If a court summons is granted, it must then be served on the person ordered to attend court. The summons can be served either in person, ie. by hand; or in the case of a minor offence a summons may be served by recorded delivery or registered post.
How do you know if you’re being summoned?
Several days before the summons Return Date, contact the Clerk’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office or other person authorized to serve process (licensed detective) to determine if your complaint and summons were delivered/served on the defendant(s).
Will a process server leave a voicemail?
Real process servers will call people they are trying to serve. If a server can get in touch with you, they will try to arrange a time to deliver the documents. A server may make a few attempts to call you and might leave a message on your answering machine.
Would a summons server call you first?
That’s a long way to say yes, real process servers do sometimes call before they come attempt to serve you. One last thought: professional process servers call the people they’re trying to serve because it works. Most people respond well to somebody trying to help them by delivering legal documents.
How long does it take to receive Court summons UK?
On the basis that the information is laid before the Court within 6 months, the Police are entitled to proceed and it may be that delays in processing paperwork or even obtaining a Court date can result in the Summons being received after 6 months.
What’s the difference between a summons and a subpoena?
Subpoena – Defined But while a summons marks the beginning of a court case, a subpoena comes after a case has begun and requires the person who receives it to provide evidence that is considered important to the outcome of the case.
Can you tell a process server to leave?
The lawful occupier of the property has a right to ask someone to leave. If a process server is asked to leave, and does not do so, they could be subject to a charge of trespass. Common law requires compliance with such a request.
What happens if I receive a summons for a criminal charge?
If the Prosecutor decides to charge you with a crime, he or she will sign a Criminal Complaint. Then, the court clerks are notified that the person charged should be sent a Summons to appear in Court to be arraigned on the charges.
Do you need an attorney if you receive a summons?
It depends upon the circumstances. If the summons is to small claims court or for jury duty, or if it’s a very simple issue, you might not need an attorney. It’s always a good idea to get help from an attorney if you have questions or need help in dealing with the issue.
What to do if you receive a summons or a subpoena?
The subpoena will include: The court or government entity requesting your presence. It might be a court or a local or state board or government. For example, a county commission may demand you give testimony in a hearing about a proposed ordinance.
What to do if you receive a summons for jury duty?
A summons for jury duty is usually sent in the mail. When you receive a summons, pay attention to the date by which you must reply. If the summons is for something more serious than jury duty, consider getting an attorney to help you work through the process. What’s Included in a Summons? A summons is an official court document. It includes: