Service Deadline Calculator

Calculate deadlines with automatic service method adjustments for mail, electronic, personal service, and more across all jurisdictions.

specializedMulti-JurisdictionalProfessional-grade accuracy
Service Deadline Calculator
Professional tool for calculating service deadlines with jurisdiction-specific rules and method adjustments

Service Deadline Calculator

Calculate deadlines with automatic service method adjustments for mail, electronic, personal service, and more across all jurisdictions.

Federal Courts
Important: This tool provides deadline calculations based on published court rules. Results are not legal advice. Always verify deadlines with the applicable court rules and consult with counsel when in doubt.
Calculate Deadline
Enter the case details to calculate the court deadline

Options

Personal Service
Direct service to the defendant

Federal Courts:

No additional time extension

California:

No additional time extension

Best Practice:

Most reliable method with earliest deadline

Mail Service
Service by certified mail

Federal Courts:

Add 3 days (FRCP 6(d))

California:

Add 5 days (in-state), 10 days (out-of-state)

Requirements:

Usually requires certified mail, return receipt

Electronic Service
Service via electronic filing systems

Federal Courts:

Add 3 days (FRCP 6(d))

California:

Add 2 court days (CCP § 1010.6)

Growing Standard:

Increasingly required in many courts

Service Strategy & Best Practices
Expert guidance for effective service of process

Service Best Practices

  • • Attempt service as early as possible
  • • Use professional process servers when needed
  • • Keep detailed records of service attempts
  • • Consider alternative service methods early
  • • Plan for potential service complications

Common Service Pitfalls

  • • Waiting until last minute to attempt service
  • • Improper service method for defendant type
  • • Not following state-specific requirements
  • • Inadequate documentation of service attempts
  • • Missing deadline extension opportunities
Related Service Calculators
Additional tools for service of process management
How to Use This Calculator
Step-by-step instructions for accurate deadline calculations
1

Select Filing or Order Date

Enter when your complaint was filed or when the court order requiring service was entered. This starts your service deadline countdown.

2

Choose Your Jurisdiction

Select federal court (90 days under FRCP 4) or your specific state. Each jurisdiction has different service deadline requirements.

3

Identify Service Method

Select your planned service method: personal service (most reliable), certified mail, sheriff service, or publication (requires court approval).

4

Consider Defendant Location

Out-of-state defendants may require different service methods. International service follows Hague Convention rules with extended deadlines.

5

Plan for Contingencies

Build in time for service attempts to fail. Many jurisdictions allow extensions for good cause, but you must act before the deadline expires.

6

Document Service Attempts

Keep detailed records of all service attempts. If service fails, you'll need this documentation to request alternative service methods or extensions.

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