Summons

A Court document notifying someone that a case has been filed against them and directing them that they must either file a Response or appear at a hearing on a certain date. A summons is one of the documents that must be served on a party either through a process server, certified mail (restricted delivery), an acceptance of service, or through a Court-approved method of alternative service. Until the summons is served, the Court lacks subject matter jurisdiction over the dispute and lacks jurisdiction over the case except it may make emergency orders.