Anyone over the age of 18 years who is not a party to the lawsuit can serve the summons and complaint. Professional process servers, typically listed in the telephone book, may be hired to serve the summons and complaint. Fees and costs vary with each server. A cost-savings alternative is to have a trusted family member or friend who is over 18 years old serve your summons and complaint. If you do not use a professional process server, you should carefully read Rule 4 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to determine the method by which service must be made. Rule 4 also permits service to be made under New York Law. If your application to waive the filing fee was granted and you havein forma pauperis status, you also have the option of having the United States Marshal Service serve your summons and complaint free of charge. Please note that even if you have been granted in forma pauperis status, you need not use the Marshal Service for serving your summons and complaint. If is frequently quicker to arrange for the service on your own.
