Pennsylvania Process Service

Reliable Pennsylvania Process Service | Efficient Legal Document Delivery

In the dynamic legal landscape of Pennsylvania, reliable and efficient process service is paramount to the success of legal proceedings. Undisputed Legal Inc. is the leading provider of Pennsylvania process service, getting legal documents delivered accurately and in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. Our team of experienced process servers navigates the complex legal system of Pennsylvania, serving a wide range of documents, including summonses, complaints, subpoenas, and more. Our commitment to professionalism, advanced technology, and in-depth knowledge of local laws gives our clients a seamless and practical process-serving experience. Read our What Do Process Servers in Pennsylvania Do?

PROCESS SERVICE PRICING & OPTIONS

We serve all papers in all 50 states. Fees are automatically calculated at checkout based on the service address.

ROUTINE — $150 (First attempt within 3–7 business days)
RUSH — $250 (First attempt within 24–48 business hours)
SAME-DAY — $300 (First attempt the same business day when documents are received during normal business hours)
EMAIL/MAIL — $75 (Where permitted; completed within 24–48 business hours from time of receipt)
STAKE-OUT — $425 (Includes 1 hour waiting time; each additional hour $150)

Includes 3 attempts (morning/afternoon/evening) + notarized Affidavit of Service/Due Diligence. Additional individuals: 50% off (same address/same order).

Place Order Online | Call (800) 774-6922

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROFESSIONAL PROCESS SERVICE IN PENNSYLVANIA

Proper service of process is a critical component of due process in legal proceedings. In Pennsylvania, where the legal system is known for its intricacies, it is crucial to entrust your legal documents to skilled professionals who understand the nuances of local laws and regulations. Improper service of legal documents can lead to costly delays, dismissed cases, and other legal complications that can hinder the progress of your case. Read our How To Serve Legal Papers in Pennsylvania.

At Undisputed Legal Inc., our experienced process servers deeply understand the Pennsylvania legal system. We give all parties involved in a legal matter proper notice by state laws and regulations, such as the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, which govern the service of process in the state. Our process servers are knowledgeable about the specific requirements for serving various legal documents, including the relevant deadlines, methods of service, and proof of service requirements. Read our information on the rules and laws process servers must follow, such as the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.

By selecting Undisputed Legal Inc. for your Pennsylvania process service needs, you can have confidence knowing that your legal documents are in capable hands. Our process servers prioritize discretion, professionalism, and attention to detail, and sensitive legal matters are handled with the utmost care and confidentiality. We take pride in our ability to navigate even the most challenging cases, including those involving elusive defendants or witnesses, and we utilize advanced skip-tracing techniques to locate and serve individuals who may be challenging to find.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR ENHANCED EFFICIENCY

At Undisputed Legal Inc., we embrace innovation and harness cutting-edge technology to streamline our process serving services and provide our clients with unmatched transparency and efficiency. Our investment in advanced tools and systems allows us to optimize operations, reduce turnaround times, and deliver superior results. Read our How Timelines Are Important in Process Serving.

One of the key benefits of working with Undisputed Legal Inc. is our real-time updates feature. Our clients receive personalized, up-to-the-minute notifications on the status of their service, keeping them informed every step of the way. Whether it’s confirmation of document receipt, updates on service attempts, or notification of successful delivery, our clients have access to the information they need, when they need it. Read our How Rush Process Service Can Expedite Your Case.

In addition to real-time updates, we utilize GPS verification technology to enhance the accuracy and verifiability of our affidavits of service. Our process servers are equipped with devices whose GPS verification records the precise time, date, and location of each service attempt. This information is seamlessly integrated into our affidavits of service, providing an additional layer of credibility and transparency. With GPS-verified affidavits, our clients can have confidence in the validity of the service process and be better prepared to defend the service in court if necessary. Read our How Stake-out and Surveillance Works in Process Service.

We also prioritize the security and accessibility of our client’s information. Our secure online portal allows clients to easily place orders, track progress, and access essential documents, such as affidavits of service, at any time. We understand the sensitive nature of legal documents and take every precaution to protect our client’s confidential information, employing industry-standard security measures to safeguard data integrity.

LOCATING EVASIVE INDIVIDUALS WITH ADVANCED SKIP-TRACING

One of the most significant challenges in process service is locating evasive defendants or witnesses who actively avoid being served. At Undisputed Legal Inc., we have honed our skills in skip tracing and employ advanced techniques to track down even the most elusive individuals. Our team of experienced process servers combines their investigative expertise with cutting-edge technology to gather information and locate the individuals who must be served. Read our How Skip Tracing Works.

Our skip tracing process begins with a thorough analysis of the available information about the individual, including their last known address, employment history, associates, and other relevant data points. We then leverage an extensive network of databases and information sources to uncover additional leads and potential whereabouts. Our process servers are trained to think creatively and follow every possible trail to locate the individual in question. Read our How Skip Tracing Can Improve Debt Recovery Process.

Our skip-tracing services extend beyond just locating individuals. Once we have identified potential addresses or whereabouts, our process servers employ strategic approaches to make contact and effectuate service. We understand the importance of timing, discretion, and persistence in these sensitive situations, and we adapt our tactics to maximize the chances of successful service while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS & MEMBERSHIPS

UNPARALLELED PROFESSIONALISM AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

At Undisputed Legal Inc., we are committed to delivering exceptional process service results and unparalleled professionalism and customer service. We understand that our clients entrust us with sensitive legal matters, and we take that responsibility seriously. From the moment you contact us, you can expect attentive, responsive, and knowledgeable support from our dedicated team.

Our process servers are skilled in the technical aspects of service of process and trained in the art of professional communication and conflict resolution. They understand the delicate nature of legal proceedings and approach each case with the utmost respect, discretion, and sensitivity. Whether interacting with clients, defendants, or witnesses, our process servers maintain a professional demeanor, getting all parties treated courteously and respectfully.

We believe in open and transparent communication with our clients. Our team is always ready to answer questions, provide updates, and offer guidance throughout the process serving journey. We take the time to listen to our clients’ concerns, understand their unique needs, and tailor our services accordingly. We aim to build long-term relationships based on trust, reliability, and exceptional service.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Process Service

What is process service in Pennsylvania?
Process service in Pennsylvania is the formal delivery of legal documents—such as summonses, complaints, subpoenas, and court notices—to individuals or businesses involved in a legal matter. This keeps service compliant with the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure and upholds due process rights.

Who can legally serve court documents in Pennsylvania?
Under Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 400(a), original process is served within the Commonwealth by the sheriff. Rule 400(b) adds service by a competent adult in four classes of action statewide: a civil action in which the complaint includes a request for injunctive relief, perpetuation of testimony or appointment of a receiver; partition; a declaratory judgment when declaratory relief is the only relief sought; and a civil action with complete diversity of citizenship in which at least one defendant is a citizen of Pennsylvania. Under Rule 400.1, in an action commenced in the First Judicial District, which is Philadelphia, original process may be served within the county by the sheriff or a competent adult; Rule 76 defines the competent adult.

How long does routine process service take in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, we offer Routine, Rush and Same-Day service, along with Email and Mail service and Stake-Out service; the current rates and what each includes are set out in the pricing section above.

Do you serve all counties in Pennsylvania?
Yes. We serve legal papers in all 67 counties of Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Harrisburg, Scranton, and rural areas throughout the state.

Can legal papers be served at a home or business in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Legal documents may be served at a residence, workplace, or other lawful location where the individual or entity can be located. Our process servers conduct service professionally and discreetly.

Is weekend process service allowed in Pennsylvania?
Weekend service, including Saturdays and Sundays, is available on request.

What if the defendant is avoiding service in Pennsylvania?
If the recipient is avoiding service, we attempt delivery at different times and locations. If service cannot be made under the applicable rule, the plaintiff may move the court under Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 430 for a special order directing the method of service; the motion is accompanied by an affidavit stating the investigation made to find the defendant, and where service by publication is authorized the notice runs once in the legal publication the court designates and in a newspaper of general circulation in the county. Skip tracing is also available to locate evasive individuals.

Do you serve out-of-state legal documents in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania recognizes the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act (UIDDA), allowing us to domesticate and serve out-of-state subpoenas and legal documents in compliance with state laws.

Do you provide international service of process from Pennsylvania?
Absolutely. We offer international process service in accordance with the Hague Service Convention where it applies, or letters rogatory, depending on the destination country’s requirements.

Will I receive proof of service for court filing?
Yes. Once service is completed, we provide a notarized Affidavit of Service or Return of Service that meets Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 405 and is ready for official filing.

Why choose Undisputed Legal for Pennsylvania process service?

Clients choose us for:

Reliable statewide coverage in all 67 counties
Court-compliant service by experienced professionals
GPS-verified attempts and real-time status updates
Quick affidavit turnaround for court filing
Domestic and international process service capabilities

CONCLUSION

In the complex legal landscape of Pennsylvania, reliable and efficient process service is essential for the smooth administration of justice. Undisputed Legal Inc. is the premier choice for Pennsylvania process service, offering a combination of expertise, technology, and customer-centric service that sets us apart from the competition.

With our comprehensive range of service options, including service by email and mail, advanced skip-tracing capabilities, and commitment to professionalism, we get your legal documents delivered accurately, efficiently, and in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Our experienced process servers, equipped with cutting-edge technology and extensive knowledge of local rules, navigate the complexities of service of process with skill and precision.

When you choose Undisputed Legal Inc. for your Pennsylvania process service needs, you gain a trusted partner dedicated to your success. We understand the stakes involved in legal proceedings and work tirelessly to provide the highest service and support. With our real-time updates, GPS-verified affidavits, and secure online portal, you can have peace of mind knowing that your process service is in capable hands.

Don’t let improper service of process derail your legal case. Trust the experts at Undisputed Legal Inc. to deliver the results you need when you need them. Contact us today to learn more about our premier Pennsylvania process service solutions and experience the difference of working with a leader in the industry.

Service of Process Methods in Pennsylvania

Service of original process in a civil action in the courts of common pleas of Pennsylvania is governed by Chapter 400 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, and the same rules reach every one of the Commonwealth’s 67 counties. On who may serve, Rule 400(a) provides that, except as provided in subdivisions (b) and (c) and in Rules 400.1 and 1930.4, original process shall be served within the Commonwealth only by the sheriff. Rule 400(b) adds that original process may be served also by a competent adult in four classes of action: a civil action in which the complaint includes a request for injunctive relief under Rule 1531, perpetuation of testimony under Rule 1532, or appointment of a receiver under Rule 1533; partition; a declaratory judgment when declaratory relief is the only relief sought; and a civil action in which there is a complete diversity of citizenship between all plaintiffs and all defendants, and at least one defendant is a citizen of Pennsylvania. Rule 400.1 is the one exception by place: in an action commenced in the First Judicial District, which is comprised of Philadelphia, original process may be served within the county by the sheriff or a competent adult, or in any other county by deputized service under Rule 400(d) or by a competent adult forwarding the process to the sheriff of the county where service may be made; and in an action commenced in any other county, original process may be served in Philadelphia County by deputized service or by a competent adult. Rule 76 defines the term “competent adult.” Under Rule 400(c), when the sheriff is a party to the action, original process shall be served by the coroner or other officer authorized by law to perform the duties of coroner; under Rule 400(d), if service is to be made by the sheriff in a county other than the county in which the action was commenced, the sheriff of the county where service may be made shall be deputized for that purpose by the sheriff of the county where the action was commenced. Our work in Pennsylvania is the service the rules leave to a private server: the papers a rule of court or a party may serve without the sheriff, subpoenas, the skip trace that locates the defendant, and the documented record of every attempt. The manner of service is set by Rules 402 through 404, its proof by Rule 405, and service under a special order of court by Rule 430:

Personal Service — Under Rule 402(a)(1), original process may be served by handing a copy to the defendant.
Service at the Residence — Under Rule 402(a)(2)(i), by handing a copy at the residence of the defendant to an adult member of the family with whom he resides; but if no adult member of the family is found, then to an adult person in charge of such residence.
Service at a Place of Lodging — Under Rule 402(a)(2)(ii), by handing a copy at the residence of the defendant to the clerk or manager of the hotel, inn, apartment house, boarding house or other place of lodging at which he resides.
Service at the Office or Place of Business — Under Rule 402(a)(2)(iii), by handing a copy at any office or usual place of business of the defendant to his agent or to the person for the time being in charge thereof.
Acceptance of Service — Under Rule 402(b), in lieu of service under the rule, the defendant or his authorized agent may accept service of original process by filing a separate document in the form the rule prescribes.
Service by Mail — Under Rule 403, if a rule of civil procedure authorizes original process to be served by mail, a copy is mailed to the defendant by any form of mail requiring a receipt signed by the defendant or his authorized agent, and service is complete upon delivery of the mail. If the mail is returned marked refused, the plaintiff may serve by ordinary mail with the sender’s return address, complete if the mail is not returned within fifteen days after mailing; if it is returned unclaimed, the plaintiff shall make service by another means pursuant to the rules.
Service Outside the Commonwealth — Under Rule 404, original process shall be served outside the Commonwealth within ninety days of the issuance of the writ or the filing of the complaint (or its reissuance or reinstatement): by a competent adult in the manner provided by Rule 402(a); by mail in the manner provided by Rule 403; in the manner provided by the law of the jurisdiction in which the service is made for service in an action in any of its courts of general jurisdiction; in the manner provided by treaty; or as directed by the foreign authority in response to a letter rogatory or request.
Time Limit; Reissuance — Under Rule 401(a), original process shall be served within the Commonwealth within 30 days after the issuance of the writ or the filing of the complaint (Rule 404 governs the time for service outside the Commonwealth). Under Rule 401(b)(1), if service is not made within that time, the prothonotary upon praecipe and upon presentation of the original process shall continue its validity by designating the writ as reissued or the complaint as reinstated; under Rule 401(b)(2) a writ may be reissued or a complaint reinstated at any time and any number of times, and under Rule 401(b)(4) a reissued, reinstated or substituted writ or complaint shall be served within the applicable time after reissuance, reinstatement or substitution.
Service Pursuant to Special Order of Court; Publication — Under Rule 430(a), if service cannot be made under the applicable rule the plaintiff may move the court for a special order directing the method of service; the motion shall be accompanied by an affidavit stating the nature and extent of the investigation which has been made to determine the whereabouts of the defendant and the reasons why service cannot be made. Under Rule 430(b)(1), if service of process by publication has been authorized by rule of civil procedure or order of court, the publication shall be by advertising a notice of the action once in the legal publication, if any, designated by the court for the publication of legal notices and in one newspaper of general circulation within the county.

Service in Pennsylvania is directed from our Jersey City office, 101 Hudson Street, 21st Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07302, telephone +1-201-630-0114.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING

    
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tiffany Gaton 
 11 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent customer service! No long wait times for inquiries. Same day processing service, legal/court process explained in simple human terms. I will be a returning customer.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Shennell 
 28 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Suck a great team to work with more then one attempt and the hours that they use are also great  was able to call and get a copy of my report showing they tried and there was no success photo and everything much better better then using the sheriff I would always contact them in need of services
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Clara Soriano 
 27 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I needed help getting information on an individual with an “unserviceable address” and Brian was very professional, knowledgeable and patient in understanding and fulfilling my request. If I need process server and skip trace services, I will use them again and again!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Valentina Veleva 
 4 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Undisputed Legal has been a reliable partner for me for quite some time now. I’m thoroughly impressed by the exceptional services they offer. If you’re looking for a professional and trustworthy service to handle your legal paperwork, I highly recommend Undisputed Legal. In a field plagued by unethical and unprofessional process servers who lack credibility and charge exorbitant prices, Brian and his team truly stand out. Choose the best in the business!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Caitlin McLaughlin 
 1 August 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Undisputed Legal helped me find someone quickly and easily. They were very professional and so fast! They sent me the information I needed within an hour of me calling them for the first time. I would definitely recommend them without question.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Legal Assistant 
 31 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The process and communication to ensure a flawless order by Undisputed Legal put my mind at ease. Brian Ricks has been my POC since I placed the order. Helped to explain how to write a foreign address to make sure it would arrive at its international address. Will update if any changes with service.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Elizabeth Ramos (vNoqe) 
 29 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really appreciate the assistance provided, thank you so much!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Evelyn Isaacs 
 20 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you for all your help
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   mary ames 
 20 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank You so much for getting the “JOB DONE” Thank You for not giving up on this process. JOB WELL DONE
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Linda Bonilla 
 17 July 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Reliable and Professional legal services you can count on. Brian was super helpful and insightful, really aided my case and understanding of next steps to take. Highly recommend!

After Service in Pennsylvania: The Return of Service and Its Filing

Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 405 sets out what must be recorded, sworn and filed after original process is served. The rule calls the document the return of service; in common commercial practice the same record is called an affidavit of service.

When it is made. Rule 405(a) provides that when service of original process has been made, the sheriff or other person making service shall make a return of service forthwith; if service has not been made and the writ has not been reissued or the complaint reinstated, a return of no service shall be made upon the expiration of the period allowed for service.

What the return must state. Rule 405(b) provides that a return of service shall set forth the date, time, place and manner of service, the identity of the person served and any other facts necessary for the court to determine whether proper service has been made.

Service by mail. Rule 405(c) provides that proof of service by mail under Rule 403 shall include a return receipt signed by the defendant or, if the defendant has refused to accept mail service and the plaintiff thereafter has served the defendant by ordinary mail, the returned letter with the notation that the defendant refused to accept delivery and an affidavit that the letter was mailed by ordinary mail and was not returned within fifteen days after mailing.

The affidavit. Rule 405(d) provides that a return of service by a person other than the sheriff shall be by affidavit, and that if a person other than the sheriff makes a return of no service, the affidavit shall set forth with particularity the efforts made to effect service.

Filing. Rule 405(e) provides that the return of service or of no service shall be filed with the prothonotary. The prothonotary is the county’s civil records office: the Unified Judicial System’s guidance for self-represented litigants describes the appropriate records office in the county courthouse as the Prothonotary or Office of Judicial Records, and its County Prothonotaries page lists the office for each of the 67 counties; in Philadelphia the office is the Office of Judicial Records, and in Allegheny County the Department of Court Records. Under Rule 405(f) a return of service is not required when the defendant accepts service under Rule 402(b).

Additional Resources For Process Service

Pennsylvania Process Service Guides

Subpoenas & Interstate Discovery

How Does the UIDDA Apply to Serving Subpoenas Across States?

Family Court Matters

Our Process Service Solutions

Serving Corporations & Registered Agents

International Legal Services

Specialized Service Situations

Pennsylvania Area Courts

Pennsylvania’s courts sit in layers under one constitution: the Constitution of 1968 reorganized the judiciary into the Unified Judicial System, and which layer a matter belongs to determines where papers are filed and served. The courts below publish their own sites for filing procedures, locations and local rules; the county and city pages on this site carry the county-level detail.

The courts of common pleas — the trial courts. Section 901(a) of the Judicial Code, 42 Pa.C.S., provides that “The Commonwealth is divided into 60 judicial districts” and composes each district of a named county or counties — the First is the City and County of Philadelphia, the Fifth the County of Allegheny, and a district may join two counties, as the Seventeenth does with Snyder and Union. Under section 931(a), except where exclusive original jurisdiction is vested in another court, “the courts of common pleas shall have unlimited original jurisdiction of all actions and proceedings”. The Unified Judicial System’s own page states that the Courts of Common Pleas “are organized into 60 judicial districts and are the trial courts of Pennsylvania”, and that “Local rules of Pennsylvania courts are maintained individually by each county”; its Individual County Courts locator reaches each county’s court, and its County Prothonotaries page lists the filing office of each.
The magisterial district courts and the municipal courts — the first level. The Unified Judicial System describes the Minor Courts as “the people’s courts, the first level of Pennsylvania’s Unified Judicial System and presided over by magisterial district and municipal court judges”. Under 42 Pa.C.S. § 1515(a)(3), magisterial district judges have jurisdiction of civil claims, other than claims against a Commonwealth party, “wherein the sum demanded does not exceed $12,000, exclusive of interest and costs”, in assumpsit, in trespass and for fines and penalties, and under § 1515(a)(2) of the landlord and tenant matters The Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 places before them. In Philadelphia the Philadelphia Municipal Court states that “In the Civil Division, the Municipal Court deals with Landlord and Tenant cases, Small Claims cases up to $12,000, and Code Enforcement cases up to $15,000”. The Pittsburgh Municipal Court states that it “addresses traffic, non-traffic and criminal matters” — it is not a civil filing venue.
The statewide appellate courts — the Superior Court of Pennsylvania “was established in 1895 and is one of two statewide intermediate appellate courts”; the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania “was established in 1968 and is one of two statewide intermediate appellate courts”; above them sits the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, “the highest court in the Commonwealth and the oldest appellate court in the nation”, whose Rules of Civil Procedure govern service and which, under Article V, section 10 of the Constitution, supervises the judicial branch through the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.
The federal courts — 28 U.S.C. § 118 provides that “Pennsylvania is divided into three judicial districts to be known as the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Pennsylvania”, comprising 9, 33 and 25 counties respectively. Court for the Eastern District is held at Allentown, Easton, Lancaster, Reading and Philadelphia; for the Middle District at Harrisburg, Lewisburg, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Williamsport; and for the Western District at Erie, Johnstown and Pittsburgh. The courts’ own sites: Eastern District of Pennsylvania · Middle District of Pennsylvania · Western District of Pennsylvania. Appeals from all three lie to the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, which “serves the areas of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and the Virgin Islands” and sits at the James A. Byrne United States Courthouse, 601 Market Street, Philadelphia. Service of federal process follows Rule 4 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

Local Court Information for Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s courts form one system by constitutional command. Article V, section 1 of the Constitution of Pennsylvania — the judiciary article adopted in 1968, effective January 1, 1969, and as amended in 2016 — provides that “The judicial power of the Commonwealth shall be vested in a unified judicial system consisting of the Supreme Court, the Superior Court, the Commonwealth Court, courts of common pleas, community courts, municipal courts in the City of Philadelphia, such other courts as may be provided by law and justices of the peace”, and that “All courts and justices of the peace and their jurisdiction shall be in this unified judicial system”. The Judicial Code restates the composition: under 42 Pa.C.S. § 301 the unified judicial system consists of the Supreme Court, the Superior Court, the Commonwealth Court, the courts of common pleas, community courts, the Philadelphia Municipal Court, the Pittsburgh Magistrates Court and the magisterial district judges, the Traffic Court of Philadelphia named in the section having been abolished in 2016.

The Commonwealth is divided into 67 counties, and under 42 Pa.C.S. § 901(a) “The Commonwealth is divided into 60 judicial districts, numbered and composed as follows” — each district a county or two: the First is the City and County of Philadelphia, the Fifth the County of Allegheny, the Seventeenth the Counties of Snyder and Union. Every district has a court of common pleas, the trial court, which under § 931(a) has, except where exclusive original jurisdiction is vested by statute in another court, “unlimited original jurisdiction of all actions and proceedings”. Below it sit the magisterial district judges, who under § 1515(a)(3) hear civil claims “wherein the sum demanded does not exceed $12,000, exclusive of interest and costs” in assumpsit, in trespass and for fines and penalties, and in Philadelphia the Philadelphia Municipal Court, whose Civil Division, by its own statement, deals with landlord and tenant cases, small claims up to $12,000 and code enforcement cases up to $15,000. Which court a matter belongs to follows from the amount in controversy and the nature of the claim, which is why the papers to be served name both the court and the county.

Appeals lie to the two statewide intermediate appellate courts, the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, established in 1895, and the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, established in 1968, and above them to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, which under Article V, section 2 “shall be the highest court of the Commonwealth”, consists of seven justices, one of whom is the Chief Justice, and promulgates the Rules of Civil Procedure that govern service.

Federal matters arising in Pennsylvania fall within one of three judicial districts. 28 U.S.C. § 118 provides that “Pennsylvania is divided into three judicial districts to be known as the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of Pennsylvania” and enumerates their county compositions: 9 counties in the Eastern District, 33 in the Middle and 25 in the Western. Court for the Eastern District “shall be held at Allentown, Easton, Lancaster, Reading, and Philadelphia”; for the Middle District “at Harrisburg, Lewisburg, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and Williamsport”; and for the Western District “at Erie, Johnstown, and Pittsburgh”.

For service of process the practical unit is the county. Under Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 400(a), except as the rule and Rules 400.1 and 1930.4 provide, “original process shall be served within the Commonwealth only by the sheriff” — the sheriff of the county — and under Rule 405(e) the return of service is filed with the prothonotary, the county’s civil records office. The county fixes the court of common pleas, the magisterial district, the sheriff who serves and the office where the return is filed, and it is the level at which local access conditions differ. Our county and city pages carry that detail; this page states the statewide framework those pages sit inside.

Pennsylvania Coverage by County

We serve every county in Pennsylvania; the counties below have their own local pages, and more are added as they are completed.

Undisputed Legal serves all 67 Pennsylvania counties · Highlighted: counties with dedicated local pages · Rings: metro hubs

Statewide Legal Resources & Institutions in Pennsylvania

Court & Self-Help Resources

Representing Yourself — Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania — the court system’s guide for self-represented litigants, who by its statement are held to the same standards as attorneys admitted to the bar of the Commonwealth; it names the Prothonotary or Office of Judicial Records as the county records office.
Forms — Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania — the system’s forms for citizens, the judiciary and law enforcement, including forms for filing civil complaints; other forms may be found on individual county court websites.
Individual County Courts — Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania — the locator that reaches the court of common pleas of each of the 67 counties.
County Prothonotaries — Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania — contact information for the prothonotary of each county, the office where the return of service is filed under Rule 405(e).

Legal Profession & Aid

Pennsylvania Bar Association — by its own description Pennsylvania’s largest organized bar association; a voluntary association of the profession.
Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network — the network that, in its own words, helps make possible the delivery of free legal services to low-income Pennsylvanians through eight independent regional legal aid programs and six specialized legal resource programs.
Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania — dedicated, by its own statement, to protecting the public, maintaining the integrity of the legal profession, and safeguarding the reputation of the courts; the Supreme Court’s own page names its Attorney Registration Office as the route for attorney registration.

Government & Civic

Pennsylvania Department of State — the Commonwealth agency that, by its own description, licenses more than one million business and health professionals and supports economic development through corporate registrations and transactions; its Business Name Search is the public lookup for registered entities and their registered offices.
Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts — led by the court administrator, who is responsible for the prompt and proper disposition of the business of all courts, with principal offices in Harrisburg and Philadelphia; it assists the 60 president judges and district court administrators in local court management.
Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General — by its own description the Commonwealth’s chief legal and law enforcement authority, representing Pennsylvania and its agencies in legal matters and overseeing consumer and civil protections.

How to Submit Documents for Process Service

Submitting your documents for process service is made easy with multiple convenient methods provided. Choose the option that suits you best:

Upload on Website: Click the “Place Order” button at the top of this page to submit your documents quickly and conveniently. You can now upload your files directly through our website by selecting “Place Order” and following the simple, secure instructions provided. To enhance your experience, we offer seamless online payment options, accepting all major credit and debit cards.
Fax: You can fax your documents to us at (800)-296-0115. Please ensure that all pages are clear and legible before sending the fax.
Email: Another option is to email your documents to [email protected]. When emailing, please ensure that all attachments are in the appropriate file format and are not password-protected.

Payment Information:

Please note that we require pre-payment for all requests. We accept all major credit and debit cards for payment. Once your payment is processed, please include a copy of your sales receipt prior to faxing or emailing your documents.

Important Reminder:

For any further questions or inquiries regarding process servers, please refer to our “Frequently Asked Questions” page, which provides valuable information and insights into the process service procedure.

By choosing the most suitable option from the above methods, you can confidently submit your documents for process service. Our commitment to efficiency and security ensures that your legal papers are handled professionally and delivered promptly to the intended recipients. Thank you for choosing us for your process service needs.

Pennsylvania Coverage Areas

Allentown Altoona Arnold Bensalem Bethlehem Blanchard Bloomsburg Bradford Butler Canonsburg Carbondale Chambersburg Chester Clairton Coatesville Collegeville Connellsville Corry Cranberry Township Downingtown Doylestown DuBois Duquesne East Stroudsburg Easton Ephrata Erie Farrell Franklin Gettysburg Greensburg Grove City Harrisburg Hazleton Hermitage Horsham Jeannette Johnstown Kennett Square King of Prussia Lancaster Lansdale Latrobe Lebanon Lewisburg Lititz Lock Haven Lower Burrell McKeesport Meadville Mechanicsburg Monongahela Monroeville Nanticoke New Hope New Kensington Norristown Oil City Parker Philadelphia Phoenixville Pittsburgh Pittston Pottstown Pottsville Quakertown Reading Scranton Shamokin Sharon Shippensburg St. Marys State College Stroudsburg Sunbury Titusville Uniontown Villanova Warren Washington West Chester Wilkes-Barre Williamsport Willow Grove Wyomissing York

Office Locations

New York: (212) 203-8001 – One World Trade Center 85th Floor, New York, New York 10007

Brooklyn: (347) 983-5436 – 300 Cadman Plaza West, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, New York 11201

Queens: (646) 357-3005 – 118-35 Queens Blvd, Suite 400, Forest Hills, New York 11375

Long Island: (516) 208-4577 – 626 RXR Plaza, 6th Floor, Uniondale, New York 11556

Westchester: (914) 414-0877 – 50 Main Street, 10th Floor, White Plains, New York 10606

Connecticut: (203) 489-2940 – 500 West Putnam Avenue, Suite 400, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830

New Jersey: (201) 630-0114 - 101 Hudson Street, 21 Floor, Jersey City, New Jersey 07302

Washington DC: (202) 655-4450 - 1717 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. 10th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20006

Houston, TX: (713) 564-9677 - 700 Louisiana Street, 39th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002

Chicago IL: (312) 267-1227 - 155 North Wacker Drive, 42 Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60606

For Assistance Serving Legal Papers

Simply pick up the phone and call Toll Free (800) 774-6922 or click the service you want to purchase. Our dedicated team of professionals is ready to assist you. We can handle all your process service needs; no job is too small or too large!

Contact us for more information about our process serving agency. We are ready to provide service of process to all of our clients globally from our offices in New York, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Westchester, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Washington D.C.

“Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives”– Foster, William A