How to Serve Legal Papers on Someone in Kings County Jail

Serving legal papers on someone in custody can feel confusing the first time. Here's how to submit civil process for service on an inmate at Kings County Jail: the judicial forms you need, how many copies to include, and how far ahead to send everything so you don't miss your deadline.

Yes. The Kings County Sheriff's Civil Division can personally serve inmates at Kings County Jail. Include the inmate's home address too, if you have it. If the person gets released before service happens at the jail, the Civil Division can try the home address instead.

Start with SER-001. Every civil process or notice you submit to the Kings County Sheriff for service must include Judicial Form SER-001. Think of it as the instruction sheet for your paperwork.

Enforcing an eviction or levy? If you're using a Writ of Possession or Writ of Execution, you'll also need Judicial Form SER-001A with your other service paperwork.

Wage garnishments require their own documents. Include Judicial Form WG-001 and, if applicable, Judicial Form WG-035. If the writ was filed electronically, add an Electronic Writ Declaration too.

Two Set Rule

• ✓ If you are submitting a service request for a summons, small claims document, or landlord eviction notice, include two sets of documents for each person to be served.

Don't wait until the last minute. The Civil Division asks that your documents arrive at least 10 business days before the final day for service. That buffer matters even more when the person you're serving is in custody, since timing can shift quickly.

1. Match your paperwork to the right judicial forms - Include Judicial Form SER-001 with all civil processes or notices submitted for service. If you are enforcing an eviction or levy with a Writ of Possession or Execution, include SER-001A too. For wage garnishments, include WG-001 and, when applicable, WG-035 and an Electronic Writ Declaration.
2. Prepare the correct number of sets - For a summons, small claims document, or landlord eviction notice, submit two sets of documents for each person you need served.
3. List a backup address for the inmate - Include the inmate’s home address if you know it. If the inmate is released before the jail service attempt, the Civil Division can try service at the home address you provided.
4. Build in the 10-business-day cushion - Submit early enough that the Civil Division receives your documents at least 10 business days before your service deadline.
5. Include what the Civil Division needs to accept the request - Make sure your packet is complete when you submit it, including any required fees and the copies/forms that apply to your type of case.