When you hire a process server in Ohio, you may hear that they hold a standing order in certain counties. This is an important credential. It affects how quickly and efficiently papers can be served in your case.

What a Standing Order Is

Under Ohio’s Civil Rules, personal and residence service may be made by a sheriff, a bailiff, or a person designated by the court. A standing order is a court order that designates specific individuals to serve process in that court on an ongoing basis. Instead of asking the court to appoint a server for each individual case, attorneys and parties can use a server who already holds a standing order.

Why It Matters

A process server with a standing order can usually begin work immediately after receiving the documents. Without a standing order, a party may need to file a motion asking the court to appoint a specific person for that case, which adds time and paperwork.

Benefits of using a server with a standing order include:

• Faster start to service attempts
• Fewer filings and court steps
• A server already familiar with that court’s procedures
• Consistent documentation that meets local requirements

Requirements for a Standing Order

Each court sets its own requirements. Courts often require that a process server be an adult, not be a party to any case they serve, and meet background, training, or experience requirements. Some courts require periodic renewal of the standing order. Local rules vary from county to county.

Courts and Divisions

Standing orders may apply to different divisions within a court, such as general, domestic relations, and juvenile divisions. Your process server can tell you which courts and divisions are covered.

When You Need Service in Another County

If your case is in a county where your process server does not hold a standing order, your attorney may still request that the court appoint that server for the case. Alternatively, the server may work with a trusted colleague in that county.

Our Standing Appointments

Our special process servers are private investigators holding standing court appointments in the Trumbull, Mahoning, Portage, Summit, Stark, Delaware, and Franklin County Courts of Common Pleas. This allows us to begin court authorized service quickly across a wide area of Ohio.

Request Service Today

Visit our process serving page or submit documents through our process service request form.

This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Court requirements vary, so check the local rules of your court.