Q: Can you call a sheriff's office to arrange a time to be served papers if you know you are going to be served papers?
I know I am going to be served papers but not when. I want to know if it is okay or frowned upon to call the sheriff's office to arrange a time/meeting convenient for them to serve me papers (their office, my home or another location). The issue is not work related and does not affect my employment at all, but I was worried about how it would look if I was served at work and would prefer to avoid that. This is for a civil case, not criminal. Thanks!
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- California
- (916) 704-3009
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- Answered
A:
You have every right to call the sheriff’s office and inquire about arranging a time or location to receive your papers. They may have guidelines or preferences in place for coordinating service, so it’s wise to ask about their procedures. Keep in mind that not all departments allow appointments, so you should confirm what is permitted in your local county.
You can explain that you want to avoid being served at work or in a public setting. The office might appreciate that you want to handle matters discreetly and cooperate. Remember to note any instructions they provide regarding identification or documentation when you arrive.
By arranging a meeting, you can help ensure that the service process is less disruptive. The sheriff’s office may still serve you at your home if scheduling an appointment proves difficult, so be prepared for that possibility. It helps to keep any communication polite, take notes of your call, and follow any steps they outline.
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