Official Service · Suffolk County · Boston, MA

Legal documents
served accurately,
on time.

The Suffolk County Sheriff's Civil Process Division serves all civil legal papers within Suffolk County. Attorneys, legal staff, and individuals — we're here to help you get it done right.

Submit a Service Request Check Service Status

How It Works

  • 1
    Download & Complete Forms Service Request Form + your legal documents
  • 2
    Submit Documents Email, drop off, or mail to our office
  • 3
    Make Payment Phone, in person. Payment required before service.
  • 4
    Receive Confirmation Return of service by email or mail
M–F 8:30–4:30 PM
132 Portland Street
5–10 Business Days
Who Are You?

Start here based on your situation

We serve attorneys, legal staff, and individuals equally. Select your role to see the most relevant information.

Attorney / Law Firm

Regular filers serving summonses, subpoenas, executions, and other legal process on behalf of clients.

Common

Legal Assistant / Paralegal

Managing service requests on behalf of attorneys. Frequently submitting packages, tracking status, and requesting proof of service.

Individual / Pro Se Litigant

Representing yourself in court and need to serve legal papers on the other party. No attorney required.

⚡
Attorneys are billed monthly. Submit your documents and we'll invoice your firm. No upfront payment required per submission. Have your firm's billing info on file? Call (617) 704-6999 to confirm.
What We Serve

All stages of civil litigation, covered.

From initial summons to post-judgment enforcement. If it's a civil legal document in Suffolk County, we can serve it.

Document Service

Personal, substitute, and leave-and-mail service per Massachusetts rules. Summonses, complaints, subpoenas, orders of notice, and more.

Most Common →

Enforcement Services

Writs of execution, levies, wage garnishments, evictions, property seizures, and post-judgment enforcement actions.

Executions & Levies →

Capias / Civil Arrests

Court-ordered civil arrest warrants for contempt, including child support enforcement in collaboration with DOR.

Warrant Required →

Out-of-County / Out-of-State

We coordinate service requests from out-of-state courts and attorneys. We serve hundreds of out-of-state requests each year.

All States Welcome →

Returns & Certified Copies

Certified returns of service for courts and parties. Duplicate copies available on request. Lost returns? Contact us to reissue.

Proof of Service →

Incarcerated Defendants

Special handling for service on defendants currently incarcerated. Contact us to confirm location and arrange service.

Special Handling →

Ready to submit your documents?

Download the Service Request Form, prepare your package, and submit by email or in person. Payment required before service begins.

📋 Download Forms View Step-by-Step Guide
Step-by-Step Guide

How to Get Papers Served

Follow these four steps to submit a service request. Both document submission and payment are required before service is scheduled.

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1
Step One

Download & Complete Forms

Download the Service Request Form and Instructions from the Resources page. Fill out all fields completely. Attach all supporting documents.

📋 Service Request Form (PDF)
Get Forms →
→
2
Step Two

Submit Your Documents

Choose your preferred submission method. Email is accepted for most requests. Include case/docket number in the subject line.

📧 civilprocess@scsdma.org
📍 132 Portland St, Boston
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3
Step Three

Make Payment

Payment is required before service is scheduled. Call us with your case/reference number ready. Attorneys with billing accounts are invoiced monthly.

📞 (617) 704-6999
See Fee Schedule →
4
Step Four

Receive Confirmation

You'll receive a receipt by email or in person. For real-time status updates, call or email with your docket/case number. Return of service delivered after completion.

⏱ 5–10 Business Days (typical)

Submission Methods

📧

Email (Recommended)

Send completed form + documents to civilprocess@scsdma.org. Include case/docket number in subject line. Large files? Split into multiple emails and label Part 1 of X.

🏢

In Person / Drop Off

132 Portland Street, Boston MA 02114
Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Bring your completed Service Request Form and all documents.

📬

Mail

Mail to: Suffolk County Sheriff's Department, Civil Process Division, 132 Portland Street, Boston MA 02114. Include a cover letter with your contact info and return address.

What to Include in Your Package

  • Completed Service Request Form (one per defendant)
  • Original summons or legal document to be served
  • Copy of the complaint or supporting pleadings
  • Complete address of the person to be served
  • Your name, address, phone, and email for return
  • Fee payment or billing account reference
  • Fee waiver (if applicable, must be court-stamped "Approved")

After Service is Complete

Proof of Service Issued

We prepare a certified return of service (affidavit) confirming service was completed, including date, time, and method.

Delivery to You

Return delivered by email or mail to the address you provided. Originals can be picked up in person.

File with the Court

You (or your attorney) file the return of service with the court. No notarization required — the Sheriff's return is official.

If Service Was Unsuccessful

We'll notify you with details. You may provide a new address or request alternative service methods.

Complete List

Our Services

We serve all civil legal documents throughout Suffolk County under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 37. Attorneys and pro se litigants welcome.

Document Service

  • Summons and Complaints
  • Subpoenas (deposition, trial, document production)
  • Orders of Notice
  • Probate documents
  • Divorce and family law documents
  • Domestic Violence Protective Orders (DVPOs)
  • Out-of-state protective orders
  • Notices to Quit / Summary Process
  • Trustee Process Summonses
  • Registered agent service

Enforcement Services

  • Writs of Execution on Money Judgment
  • Levies on Real Estate and Personal Property
  • Wage Garnishments
  • Evictions (Execution on Possession)
  • Capias (Civil Arrest Warrants)
  • Child Support Enforcement (with DOR)
  • Repossessions
  • Sheriff's Sales

🔒 Capias (Civil Contempt Arrest)

A Capias requires a court-issued warrant. Payment is required upfront and is not covered by fee waivers. Contact our office before submitting — we'll walk you through the specific requirements.

🌎 Out-of-State Requests

We welcome service requests from attorneys and courts in all 50 states. Here's what you need to know:

  1. You do not need a Massachusetts attorney to submit a service request
  2. Out-of-state protective orders may need to be registered with a MA court first — call us if you're unsure
  3. Submit your documents and cover letter by email with your return address for proof of service
  4. We'll return the certified proof of service directly to you or your court as directed
  5. Payment by phone (credit/debit/ACH) accepted from out of state
Transparent Pricing

Fee Schedule

All fees are set per Massachusetts General Laws. No hidden charges. Payment is required before service is scheduled.

📌
Payment is required before service begins. Once we receive your documents, we will contact you with the exact fee. Have your case/reference number ready when calling to pay.
Service Type Fee Notes
Standard Document Service
Personal, substitute, or leave-and-mail service — summonses, complaints, subpoenas, orders
$30–$60 Per defendant, per address
Writ of Execution / Money Judgment
Levies, wage garnishments, property seizures
 Varies Call for quote: (617) 704-6999
Capias (Civil Arrest Warrant)
Court-ordered civil arrest for contempt
 Varies Not covered by fee waiver
Certified Return of Service (Copy)
Duplicate or replacement affidavit of service
 $5–$10 Per copy
Printing Charge (if we print your docs)
When submitting electronically and requesting printed copies
Per page Ask when submitting
⚠️
Not sure of your exact fee? Call us at (617) 704-6999 before submitting. We'll give you the exact amount based on your specific request.

Accepted Payment Methods

💳 Credit Card (Phone)
💳 Debit Card (Phone)
🏦 ACH (Phone)
💵 Cash (In Person)
📋 Money Order (In Person / Mail)
🏢 Monthly Billing (Attorneys)

Fee Waivers

If the court has granted you a fee waiver, include a copy stamped "Approved" by the court with your submission. Certain services (like Capias) are not covered by fee waivers — contact us to confirm before submitting.

Monthly Billing for Attorneys

Law firms with established accounts are billed monthly. No upfront payment per submission. Call (617) 704-6999 to set up or confirm your billing account.

Check Your Case

Service Status

Check the status of a pending service request or ask a question about your case.

Check Your Status

Have your case or docket number ready. We'll look it up and get back to you within one business day.

🔍 Enter your case number to check the status of your service request.

Turnaround Times

Standard service 5–10 business days
Time-sensitive (flagged) 2–5 business days
Enforcement actions (writs) Varies by complexity
Return of service delivery Within 3 days of completion

When to Follow Up

  • If 10+ business days have passed with no update
  • If you have a court hearing date approaching (always flag time-sensitive submissions)
  • If you've moved or need to update the return address
  • If you need to stop or cancel service after submission
  • If you never received your proof of service after service was completed
📞 Call (617) 704-6999 with your docket number for the fastest response.
Downloads & Guides

Resources Center

All forms, instructions, and guides you need to submit a service request. Updated regularly.

✅
All downloads are free. If a file doesn't open, try right-clicking and selecting "Save As." For issues, email civilprocess@scsdma.org and we'll send the forms directly.

Required Forms

📄

Service Request Form

Required for all service requests. One form per defendant per address.

PDF Download
📖

Instructions: How to Prepare Documents

Step-by-step guide for preparing your service package correctly.

PDF Download
💲

Fee Schedule

Full breakdown of all service fees per Massachusetts law.

View Online

Additional Resources

🤝

Hardship / Payment Assistance Information

Fee waiver guidance and financial hardship options.

PDF Download
⚖️

Legal Guides & Helpful Links

MA court resources, self-help legal guides, and court locator.

PDF + Links
🏠

Housing & Court Resources Packet

Resources for eviction-related matters and housing assistance.

PDF Download

Can't find what you need?

Call us and we'll email the forms directly to you.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions we receive. Can't find yours? Call us or use the contact form.

Getting Started
No. We serve thousands of documents each year for individuals representing themselves in court (pro se litigants). Our staff will assist you and make sure your documents are served correctly.
We can serve virtually all civil legal documents, including:
  • Summonses and complaints
  • Subpoenas (deposition, trial, document production)
  • Divorce and family law papers
  • Domestic violence protective orders
  • Writs of execution and evictions
  • Probate documents
  • Registered agent service on corporations
Download the Service Request Form from the Resources page, fill it out completely, attach your legal documents, and submit by email to civilprocess@scsdma.org or in person at 132 Portland Street, Boston. Payment is required before service is scheduled.
Absolutely. We serve hundreds of out-of-state requests each year from attorneys and courts in all 50 states. Submit your documents by email, and we can take payment by phone via credit card, debit, or ACH. Note: some out-of-state protective orders may need to be registered with a Massachusetts court first — call us if you're unsure.
Fees & Payment
Standard document service fees typically range from $30–$60 per defendant per address, depending on the document type. Enforcement actions (writs, levies) vary by complexity. See the full Fee Schedule on the Fees page, or call us at (617) 704-6999 for a specific quote.
Payment is required before service is scheduled. Once you submit your documents, we will contact you with the exact fee. Attorneys with established monthly billing accounts are invoiced at the end of the month.
By phone: call (617) 704-6999 during business hours. We accept credit card, debit card, and ACH. In person: cash, money order, or credit/debit at 132 Portland Street, Boston MA 02114. Have your case/reference number ready.
If the court has approved a fee waiver for your case, include a copy stamped "Approved" by the court with your service package. Note: Capias and some enforcement actions are not covered by fee waivers. Contact us if you're unsure.
Service Status & Process
Standard service typically takes 5–10 business days. If your matter is time-sensitive (upcoming court date), clearly flag it in your submission email and include the hearing date. We will prioritize accordingly.
Use the Status Tracker on this website, or call us at (617) 704-6999 with your case/docket number. Email inquiries can be sent to civilprocess@scsdma.org. Include the docket number and defendant name in your message for the fastest response.
We deliver a certified return of service (affidavit) by email or mail to the address you provided. If you submitted via email, expect the return by email. You can also pick up the original in person. The Sheriff's return is an official legal document — no notarization required.
We'll notify you with details about why service could not be completed. You may provide a new address and we will attempt service again (additional fees may apply), or you can request a non-service return for your court records.
Yes, if service has not yet been completed. Contact us immediately by phone at (617) 704-6999 or email with your case number. If service has already been attempted or completed, it cannot be reversed, but we can provide a return noting the cancellation.
Special Situations
Yes, but special handling is required. Contact us before submitting to confirm the defendant's current incarceration location. We'll advise on the proper procedure for service within a correctional facility.
Submit your documents with the registered agent's name and address (available through the MA Secretary of State website). We'll serve the registered agent on behalf of the corporation. Include the corporation's full legal name and the registered agent's address on the Service Request Form.
A Capias is a court-issued civil arrest warrant, typically issued for contempt (including unpaid child support). The court must issue the Capias before we can act on it. Payment is required upfront and is not covered by fee waivers. Call us before submitting a Capias — we'll confirm the exact requirements.
File the certified return of service we provide with your court. The Sheriff's return is an official legal document and does not need to be notarized. Keep a copy for your records. If you're unsure how to file it, consult your attorney or the court clerk's office.
Get in Touch

Contact Us

Questions about submitting documents, fees, or the status of a case? We're here to help during business hours.

Civil Process Division

Suffolk County Sheriff's Department
Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

  • 📍
    Address 132 Portland Street
    Boston, MA 02114
  • 📞
    Phone (617) 704-6999
  • 📠
    Fax (617) 704-6998
  • ✉
    Email civilprocess@scsdma.org
  • 🕐
    Office Hours Monday–Friday
    8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
    Closed state and federal holidays
⚡
For the fastest response on a pending case, always include your case/docket number in your email subject line or have it ready when calling.

Send a Message

We respond within one business day.