Overview
Process Server in Connecticut: How Service of Process Works
Connecticut relies on state marshals. Civil process is directed 'to any proper officer' and is normally served by a state marshal, appointed by county, either in hand or by leaving an attested copy at the defendant's usual place of abode. Connecticut uses a return date system: the writ must be served at least 12 days before the return date and returned to court at least six days before it. Marshal fees are set by statute.
Who serves process
Who Can Serve Legal Documents in Connecticut
Under Connecticut General Statutes § 52-50, process is directed to a state marshal, constable or other proper officer, and state marshals serve most civil process. 'Indifferent persons' may serve only in specific, limited circumstances listed in the statute.
State marshals are appointed by county and can work outside their county only in limited cases. A marshal must verify the defendant's usual place of abode and attest to it in the return, and may not leave process in a mailbox.
Typical documents include writs, summonses and complaints, summary process (eviction) papers, subpoenas and family matters.
Proof you receive: a sworn affidavit of service
The state marshal files a sworn return stating the date and manner of service and, for abode service, the address where the copy was left.
State marshal coordination
We arrange service through state marshals in the right county, timed to your return date.
Return-date planning
We check the 12-day service and 6-day return deadlines before your writ goes out.
Hartford, New Haven and statewide
Service in Fairfield, Hartford, New Haven and all Connecticut counties.
The rules
Connecticut Service of Process Rules
The Connecticut statutes that matter most for service:
| Rule | What it covers |
|---|---|
| C.G.S. § 52-46 | Serve at least 12 days before the return date |
| C.G.S. § 52-46a | Return process to court at least 6 days before the return date |
| C.G.S. § 52-50 | Who serves: state marshals and other proper officers |
| C.G.S. § 52-54 | Abode service: note the address on the return |
| C.G.S. § 52-57 | Manner of service on individuals |
| C.G.S. § 52-261 | State marshal fees |
Treaties
Connecticut and the Hague Conventions: Treaty Status
The Hague Service Convention lets member countries send documents to each other's Central Authorities for service. Connecticut has not joined it, so that route isn't available, and the Convention's Article 10 rules on postal and private service don't apply. Whether those methods are acceptable depends on Connecticut's law and on what your court allows.
Connecticut is not a party to the Hague Evidence Convention, so requests for witness testimony or documents go through letters rogatory.
