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Process Server Order Directing Service of Process

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EX PARTE MOTION FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS BY POSTING AND BY CERTIFIED MAIL; DECLARATION; DECLARATION OF PROCESS SERVER; Order DIRECTING SERVICE OF PROCESS AND APPEARANCE OF DEFENDANT(S)
(FOR SUMMARY POSSESSION COMPLAINTS ONLY)

Form #3DC40

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE THIRD CIRCUIT

DIVISION

STATE OF HAWAI'I

Reserved for Court Use

EX PARTE MOTION FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS BY POSTING AND BY CERTIFIED MAIL

Plaintiff(s) requests that this Motion be granted for the reasons stated in the Declaration below. This Motion is based on the District Court Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 4(e) and Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes §666-8.

DECLARATION

I DECLARE UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY THAT THE FOLLOWING IS TRUE AND CORRECT: I am Plaintiff(s) or the attorney for Plaintiff(s). I caused the Complaint for Summary Possession to be filed on the Complaint Filing Date listed above. Based upon the Declaration of the Process Server below, service by posting and certified mail is necessary as described in Hawai'i Revised Statutes §666-8.

DECLARATION OF PROCESS SERVER

I DECLARE UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY THAT THE FOLLOWING IS TRUE AND CORRECT: I am a person authorized to serve process in the State of Hawaiʻi. I have personal knowledge of the statements in this declaration and am competent to testify to these matters. I was engaged by Plaintiff to serve a certified copy of the Complaint for Summary Possession on Defendant(s). I attempted service on the Attempted Service Dates at the Premises Address and Other Address(es) listed on page 1, that are the only known address(es) for Defendant(s). I have checked the telephone directory of this circuit and I have not been able to find any other address for Defendant(s). Despite my efforts, I have not been able to locate and serve said Defendant(s). I am informed and believe that Defendant(s) continues to reside and/or do business in the State of Hawai'i but is avoiding service of process. (Attach continuation page, if necessary).

ORDER DIRECTING SERVICE OF PROCESS AND SUMMONING DEFENDANT TO APPEAR

THE STATE OF HAWAI'I

TO THE SHERIFF, OR THE CHIEF OF POLICE OF THIS CIRCUIT, OR THEIR DEPUTY, OR THEIR DULY AUTHORIZED SUBORDINATES IN THIS CIRCUIT OR ANY PERSON DULY AUTHORIZED TO SERVE PROCESS IN THE STATE OF HAWAI'I:

WHEREAS, the Plaintiff has moved this Court for a special Order Directing Service of Process on Defendant(s) by Posting Complaint for Summary Possession on the Premises and by Certified Mail at the Premises Address listed on page 1;

NOW, THEREFORE, YOU ARE COMMANDED to leave certified copies of this Motion and the Complaint for Summary Possession with some agent or employee of Defendant(s), provided an agent or employee can be found upon the premises or elsewhere within the circuit, and also to affix in a conspicuous place upon the certain premises located at Premises Address listed on page 1, certified copies of this Motion and the Complaint for Summary Possession, such posting to be not less than ten (10) days before the return date, and make due return of this Order with what you have done endorsed thereon.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Plaintiff send to Defendant(s), by certified mail, return-receipt requested, certified copies of this Motion and the Complaint for Summary Possession and file in these proceedings a declaration of the certified mail in the appropriate form.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Defendant(s) shall appear before the Presiding Judge of this Court in his/her Courtroom, at the address below on 20 at a.m. to respond to the Complaint filed herein.

*** THE PROCESS SERVER MUST POST BOTH THIS MOTION AND ***
THE COMPLAINT FOR SUMMARY POSSESSION

COURT ADDRESS

777 Kilauea Avenue, 2nd Floor, Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720-4212
777 Kilauea Avenue, 2nd Floor, Hilo, Hawaiʻi 96720-4212
79-1020 Haukapila Street, Kealakekua, Hawaiʻi 96750
— To be heard at North & South Kona Division

Kona: 79-1020 Haukapila Street, Kealakekua, Hawaiʻi 96750

67-5187 Kamamalu Street, Kamuela, Hawaiʻi 96743
— To be heard at South Kohala Division

67-5187 Kamamalu Street, Kamuela, Hawaiʻi 96743

— To be heard at South Kohala Division

67-5187 Kamamalu Street, Kamuela, Hawaiʻi 96743

Mailing Address for the court:

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other applicable State and Federal laws, if you require an accommodation for your disability when working with a court program, service, or activity please contact the District Court Administration Office at PHONE NO. 961-7424, FAX 961-7411, OR TTY 961-7422 at least (10) working days in advance of your hearing, or appointment date.

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What the Process Server Order Directing Service of Process Is

A Process Server Order Directing Service of Process is a court-issued directive authorizing a designated process server to deliver legal papers to a named party in a pending case. The order identifies the case caption, party to be served, method(s) of permitted service, and any special instructions from the court. Once executed, the process server completes an affidavit or proof of service that is returned to the court clerk and becomes part of the case file. Judicial procedures and acceptable service methods vary by jurisdiction and by the type of document being served.

Why this Court Order Matters for Effective Service

A clear Process Server Order Directing Service of Process ensures lawful notice, preserves jurisdiction, and documents authorized methods of delivery. It reduces disputes over sufficiency of service and provides a court-endorsed instruction set for the process server.

Why this Court Order Matters for Effective Service

Who typically prepares or relies on this order

Several parties interact with the Process Server Order Directing Service of Process during litigation preparation and service.

  • Plaintiff or counsel prepares and files the proposed order to direct service and to establish the target and method.
  • Court clerk issues or approves the signed order and may note filing or docket instructions for the process server.
  • Process servers review the order to confirm authorized service methods and to prepare a sworn affidavit of service.

Who can sign or authorize the order

Presiding Judge

A judge signs and enters the order when the court authorizes alternate service methods, extensions, or special procedures; the judge's signature confers court authority and is required for the order to be enforceable in the case.

Court Clerk

The clerk may issue administrative endorsements, enter the signed order on the docket, and provide certified copies to parties or process servers; clerk actions create a record that the order was issued and served in compliance with court procedure.

Essential information to include on the order

Case Caption: Court name and case title
Case Number: Court docket or file number
Target Name: Full legal name of party to be served
Service Address: Street address for delivery
Method Permitted: Personal, substituted, or posted
Return Deadline: Date to file proof

Consequences of defective or incomplete orders

Void Service: Service may be invalidated
Delay in Case: Proceedings may be stayed
Sanctions: Court may impose penalties
Re-service Costs: Additional fees incurred
Jurisdiction Risk: Court may lack personal jurisdiction
Evidence Issues: Affidavit may be rejected

Common pitfalls to avoid when preparing the order

  • Leaving the service address incomplete or listing only a P.O. box can prevent personal service and lead to rejected proof of service by the court.
  • Failing to specify authorized methods (personal, substituted, mail, or service by publication) can create ambiguity and allow the defendant to challenge sufficiency.
  • Omitting a return or filing deadline for the affidavit of service often results in delays and may require supplemental motions to validate service.
  • Relying on informal email or verbal authorizations rather than a signed court order increases the risk that a service attempt will be deemed unauthorized.

Real-world examples of using signed orders and e-sign workflows

Cases from signNow customers show how courts and legal teams use cloud workflows to manage service orders and proof of service when permitted.

Tim Martin — Founder, Martin Properties

Tim Martin adapted online signing for property-related filings to avoid in-person steps and speed case preparation.

  • He relied on completed online forms for continuity between office and field staff.
  • "I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security. Whether on mobile or working offline, I can get forms back to their necessary parties efficiently."

John Butler — Founder, Fertility Centers of Illinois

John Butler's team used digital workflows to collect signatures across departments and external counsel.

  • The approach reduced routing delays for court filings and service documents.
  • "The airSlate SignNow team has been exceptional, responsive, the API has been great, and we're extremely happy that we chose airSlate SignNow as a company."

Step-by-step: preparing and issuing the order

Follow this sequence to create, obtain approval, serve, and document service under a Process Server Order Directing Service of Process.

  • 01
    Draft Order: Include caption, case number, target, and methods.
  • 02
    File or Present: Submit to court for signature or submit proposed order.
  • 03
    Deliver to Server: Provide certified copy and instructions to process server.
  • 04
    File Proof: Return affidavit or proof of service to the court clerk.

How service flows after the court signs the order

This sequence describes routing from court authorization to documentation of service for the case record.

  • Order Issued: Court signs and clerk dockets the order.
  • Assign Server: Plaintiff provides order to process server.
  • Attempt Service: Process server follows authorized methods.
  • Affidavit Filed: Server files sworn proof with the court.

Key elements to include in a professional Process Server Order Directing Service of Process

A well-formed order anticipates challenges, provides precise instructions, and creates an auditable record for the court and the process server.

Caption

Full court name and party caption so the order is clearly tied to the correct case and docket; use the exact styling used on prior filings.

Docket Number

The court-assigned case number must match the case file to avoid misfiling and to allow the clerk to associate proof of service correctly.

Target Identification

Provide the full legal name and any known aliases, dates of birth if relevant, and identifying descriptors to reduce mistaken attempts by process servers.

Authorized Methods

List authorized service methods with specifics (personal, substituted at residence, certified mail, posting), including any conditions or successive attempts.

Special Instructions

Include access notes, safety concerns, preferred contact windows, or court-ordered restrictions to guide lawful execution by the process server.

Return Requirements

Specify the form and deadline for the affidavit or proof of service and whether the server must provide an electronic copy to counsel or the clerk.

Typical digital workflow settings for issuing and recording the order

Use these settings to standardize how orders are prepared, delivered to servers, and archived when using an electronic document workflow.

Field Configuration
Document Format PDF with embedded metadata
Access Control Role-based access for counsel and server
Authentication Photo ID or two-factor for server acknowledgment
Audit Trail Timestamp, IP, signer identity logged

Technical considerations for e-filing and e-delivery

Many courts accept electronic copies and some process servers use digital workflows; confirm court and vendor compatibility before relying on e-delivery.

  • File Formats: PDF, DOCX accepted widely
  • Integrations: Supports MS 365 and NetSuite
  • Security: TLS and AES-256 encryption

Key timeframes and deadlines to track

Timelines vary by court and case type; note federal rules where applicable and local rules for state courts when planning service and filings.

Federal Service Deadline:

Defendants generally must be served within 90 days (FRCP 4(m)).

Affidavit Filing:

File proof of service promptly after completion per local rule.

Extension Motions:

Move for additional time if service cannot be completed within deadline.

Return to Court:

Return executed order and affidavit as directed by clerk's docket entry.

Record Retention:

Retain electronic and original proof per retention guidelines.

Typical milestones from order to proof of service

A milestone view helps coordinate tasks and confirms when to expect filings and updates on the docket.

01

Prepare Order

Draft and attach supporting affidavit or proposed service plan for court review.

02

Court Approval

Clerk or judge signs the order authorizing service methods and any special handling.

03

Service Attempts

Process server executes authorized attempts and documents each effort in a log.

04

File Proof

Server submits affidavit and exhibits; counsel confirms docket entry and next steps.

Frequently asked questions about the Process Server Order Directing Service of Process

Answers to common procedural and technical questions about preparing, issuing, serving, and documenting a court order that directs service.


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eSignature pricing comparison for managing orders and proof of service

Costs and feature availability vary by vendor; signNow is listed first for direct comparison of starting prices, common features, and envelope limits.

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Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
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Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
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