Q: I was served custody paperwork dated 11/16/2010. Is it still valid being dated wrong.
A:
The main purposes of service of legal pleadings (service of process) are (1) to notify a person that there is a court proceeding that may affect his or her legal rights and (2) to give that person an opportunity to contest the claim. If the purposes are met, the service of process is considered valid.
If you agree with all the terms of the claim as listed in the pleadings you have received, you do not need to respond. If you want to challenge the terms listed in the pleadings, you must file a written answer —called a “response” — with the court within 30 days after you were handed the papers. Contact a lawyer, your local legal services office, or the courthouse (if your county has a facilitator program) to learn about what you can do. There is a court fee to file a response in a custody case, unless you qualify for a fee waiver or deferral.
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