How much does it cost to serve the defendant?

Serving court papers on the defendant costs money.

• The court charges $5 for the summons they give you.
• A sheriff or constable charges $35-$40.
• If you need to serve by publication, the newspaper will charge you to publish the summons. Newspapers in the United States charge up to $100. Newspapers outside the US charge up to $200.

If you cannot afford these costs, file an Affidavit of Indigency.

If the court approves your Affidavit of Indigency, you will not have to pay to serve the defendant.