Before assigning divorce-paper service in Orange or Osceola County, organize the documents, address information, deadline, and instructions in one packet. This checklist focuses on preparing an assignment for Martinez & Hernandez Process Serving. For an overview of who may serve and the available service methods, read our Florida divorce service guide.
1. Confirm the papers are ready for service
- Include the court-issued summons and the filed petition.
- Provide the complete documents your attorney or the court directs you to serve, including all required attachments.
- Check the case number, court, party names, and legibility of every page.
- Tell us whether the packet includes a hearing notice or other document with its own deadline.
Packets vary by case. The Florida Courts family-law forms and instructions are an official starting point. Your attorney or the clerk’s published instructions should guide what must be included.
2. Give us a usable service address
- Full name of the respondent and a complete physical address, including the apartment or unit.
- Known gate or building-access instructions.
- A recent description or photograph, when available and relevant.
- Known work location or schedule that may help plan an appropriate attempt.
- Any information suggesting the address is outdated, plus any safety concerns.
Share relevant assignment details through our request form. Avoid unrelated personal information. If the address is uncertain, ask about skip tracing before sending a server repeatedly to the same location.
3. State your deadline and confirm the service level
Our standard service starts at $70, with a first attempt normally within 3–5 business days. Rush starts at $95, normally within 24–48 hours. Same-day starts at $125 when available; call 407-564-6551 before requesting it. These are first-attempt timeframes, not guarantees of completed service.
Each person or legal entity is billed at the full selected service rate, including multiple recipients at the same address. Additional addresses and special requirements need review. See our current rates and calculator.
4. Include clear instructions and a contact person
Identify who should receive updates and who can approve an additional address or changed plan. Provide the requested deadline, not a deadline guessed from a general article. The summons, applicable rules, and case orders control the legal requirements.
Our team reviews the assignment, confirms pricing and availability, and schedules after acceptance and payment. Local service includes up to five diligent attempts when appropriate.
5. Review the result and preserve the documentation
After an attempt, use the status update to address missing information promptly. Successful service is documented in the appropriate return or affidavit. If service cannot be completed, the non-service report records the efforts and findings so you or your attorney can decide what comes next.
A report of unsuccessful attempts does not itself authorize another service method. Ask an attorney about case-specific alternatives.
Official Florida service resources
- Florida Statutes §48.021: who may serve process
- Florida Statutes §48.031: service of process generally
- Florida Statutes §48.21: return of service
About the author: Manuel Martinez, Martinez & Hernandez Process Serving. Meet our local team. This article provides assignment-preparation information, not legal advice.
Submit your divorce service assignment for review or call 407-564-6551.