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These terms govern requests for service of process and related work placed with Contra Costa Serve ("we," "us," or "our") through contracostaserve.com, by email, or by phone. By submitting a request, you agree to these terms. We have kept them plain and practical.
1. What we do
Contra Costa Serve is a California Registered Process Server (Registration #1844), bonded, providing service of process, service of notices, and related document delivery in Contra Costa County and the surrounding Bay Area. We are not attorneys, we do not provide legal advice, and nothing on our website or in our communications should be taken as legal advice. If you need legal guidance, please consult an attorney.
2. Requesting service
When you submit a request, you are asking us to attempt the work described. A request becomes an accepted job once we confirm coverage, pricing, and timing with you. Documents to be served are sent to us by email after you submit the request form; they are not uploaded through the website. You are responsible for providing accurate and complete information, including the correct party name, service address, and any deadlines.
3. Pricing and payment
Prices listed on our website are starting rates by zone and are confirmed in our reply before work begins. Additional fees — such as extra attempts beyond those included, additional defendants, court-required mailing, after-hours attempts, or skip tracing — apply as described at the time we quote your job. Payment terms are stated on your invoice. Fees cover our professional effort and attempts; because service depends on locating and reaching a party, fees are earned when the work is performed and are not contingent on a successful serve.
4. Attempts and completion
We make diligent, documented attempts at appropriate times and log each with date, time, and location. The number of attempts included depends on the service level and zone you select. Where personal service cannot be completed, we may proceed with substituted service, post-and-mail, or — where a court order is required — prepare a declaration of diligence to support the appropriate motion. We cannot guarantee that any particular party will be located or served, only that we will perform the work diligently and professionally.
5. Your responsibilities
- Provide accurate party names, addresses, and any known details that aid service;
- Ensure you have the legal right to have the documents served;
- Communicate deadlines clearly and as early as possible;
- Provide complete, correct documents in the form required by the court.
We are not responsible for delays or failed service caused by inaccurate information, incorrect addresses, or documents provided late or in improper form.
6. Turnaround and deadlines
Turnaround windows (routine, rush, same-day) describe when we begin and pursue attempts, not a guaranteed date of completed service, which depends on factors outside our control. We will always communicate status and flag any risk to a deadline as soon as we see it. Zone 3 (East County) is served on scheduled route days unless off-schedule service is arranged.
7. Limitation of liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, our liability for any claim arising out of a job is limited to the amount you paid us for that job. We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including missed court dates or case outcomes, arising from delays or non-service, except to the extent caused by our own gross negligence or willful misconduct.
8. Cancellations
You may cancel a job before service is attempted; if we have already begun work or incurred travel, a portion of the fee reflecting work performed may still apply. We will always tell you where a job stands before billing a cancellation.
9. SMS / text messaging terms
If you provide your mobile number and opt in, you agree to receive informational, conversational text messages from Contra Costa Serve about your matter, including status updates and responses to your inquiries. We do not send marketing or promotional text messages. These messages are tied to work you have engaged us for.
You will receive customer service, account notification, and appointment-related messages related to your account and service. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply.
- Message frequency varies based on the activity in your matter.
- Message and data rates may apply, depending on your mobile carrier and plan.
- You can opt out at any time by replying STOP to any message. After you reply STOP, we will send one confirmation and then send no further texts unless you opt in again.
- For help, reply HELP or contact us at (925) 420-8403 or support@contracostaserve.com.
Mobile information, SMS consent, and phone numbers collected for texting will not be shared, sold, or disclosed to third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. See our Privacy Policy for how we handle this information.
10. Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of the State of California, and any dispute arising from our work will be handled in the courts of Contra Costa County. Service of process is also governed by the California Code of Civil Procedure and applicable court rules, which control in the event of any conflict with these terms.
Contact us
Questions about these terms? Reach us at:
Contra Costa Serve
Email: support@contracostaserve.com
Phone: (925) 420-8403
California Registered Process Server #1844