Can a plaintiff personally serve motions and pleadings in Idaho?

Full question:

I'm confused about the difference between service of process and the service of motions and other pleadings after the initial case is filed and properly served in Idaho. Specifically, is it proper under Idaho rules for a plaintiff to personally serve (as opposed to hiring a process server to serve) defendant or defendant's attorney by mail or in person, pleadings and motions and other papers after the summons and copy of complaint are properly filed and served? The Idaho Rules of civil procedure are available online at: http://www.isc.idaho.gov/rules/civilidx.htm rules 4 and 5 appear to be relevant.

  • Category: Civil Actions
  • Subcategory: Service
  • Date:
  • State: Idaho

Answer:

We cannot give legal advice. The following is not a substitute for the advice of a local attorney. But we hope the information will be useful. Your understanding of Rules 4 and 5 is correct. The summons and complaint must be served by a process server or someone over eighteen who is not a party to the action. After that, any pleadings, motions, or other papers can be served to the defendant's attorney (or the defendant if they do not have an attorney) by anyone, or they can be mailed.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Rule 5 of the Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure outlines the requirements for serving pleadings and other papers after the initial service of process. It states that these documents can be served by mail or in person to the opposing party or their attorney. Unlike initial service, which must be done by a process server or someone not involved in the case, subsequent documents can be served by anyone. This makes it easier for parties to communicate during the legal process.