Leaver

There are many different types of civil process paperwork that the Civil Process Division serves each day. Many of the different types of the civil paperwork can be left at the door of the defendant or with someone at the residence other than the defendant. Another copy of the paperwork is then mailed to the defendant, according to state statute. This type of paper is referred to as a "leaver" or can be left.

Personal Service

Paperwork that cannot be left at a residence, either on the door or with someone at the residence is called "Personal Service". This type of paperwork is usually an order to appear, some type of restraining order, or some type of order that if an appearance is not made a warrant will be issued. If the defendant is not home at the time that service is attempted, the Civil Process Officer will leave a note directing the defendant to come to the Steuben County Sheriff's Department to pick up his/her paperwork. On the note it will designate the name of the person the paperwork was for, and dates and times when the civil process paperwork can be picked up. If the defendant fails to pick up his/her paperwork, the court may find that punishment upon the defendant is probable.

FEES & REQUIREMENTS

If you require the services of the Civil Process Division to serve a civil paper for you, certain fees are required and must be paid prior to any attempt of service.

     Civil papers from Indiana                  $13.00 per location 

     Civil papers from outside of Indiana       $60.00 per location

• Payment must be in the form of cash, money order or attorney business check.
  Please make the money order or business check payable to the Steuben County Sheriff's Department.
• Please send a copy to serve and a copy to return of the process that is to be served.
  Mark the copy that you need served in the upper right hand corner SERVE.
  Mark the copy that you need returned in the upper right hand corner RETURN
• Out-of-state agencies should include any affidavit of service required and a self-addressed stamped envelope for return.
• Personal service will be attempted 3(three) times but, if unsuccessful, service will be made by leaving a copy at the address listed. A full street address is required.
• To serve the papers we must have a physical address. If the papers can be left at the residence we must also have a Post Office box is applicable so we can mail them also.
• Civil papers without complete and proper information will be returned with out service attempts.