The Role of Process Servers in Family Law Cases
Every family lawsuit starts the same way: a petition is filed and must be delivered. Florida Rule 1.070(j) allows 120 days for service but also lets courts extend that period on a showing of good cause or excusable neglect. Chapter 48 supplies the mechanics. When delivery stalls, hearings freeze, children wait, and funds stay in limbo. Courts routinely dismiss neglected actions, and any order that slips through the cracks is void under M.L. Builders v. Reserve Developers, 769 So. 2d 1079 (Fla. 4th DCA 2000). In short, no papers served,