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DE-120(PA) Guidance: Attachment to DE-120P (Personal Service) (California)

The DE-120(PA) Attachment to DE-120P form is used when someone needs to provide proof of personal service for notices of hearing in probate matters, such as decedent's estates and guardianships or conservatorships, ensuring proper legal procedure is followed. Jump to guide on filling it out.

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Tips for filling out form DE-120(PA)

When completing form DE-120(PA), pay special attention to these less obvious sections:

Item 1

Service Details

When listing each person personally served, ensure you include both the full legal name as it appears in the court case and the exact address where the service was conducted. This specificity helps avoid any future legal disputes regarding whether the person was properly served.
Item 2

Accurate Time Recording

Record the exact date and time of service. Including the time is crucial because it validates that the service was completed within any timelines set by the court. Make sure your recorded time matches any required judicial time frames for serving documents.
Item 3

Consistency with DE-120P

Ensure that the information on this attachment is consistent with the main DE-120P form. Discrepancies between what is listed on the main form and this attachment can lead to questions or delays in the court process.

What to do after filing form DE-120(PA)

1
Confirm Filing: After filing the DE-120(PA) form, confirm with the court clerk that it has been accepted and file-stamped. You'll typically receive a confirmation number or a stamped copy for your records.
2
Serve Notice: Ensure that all necessary parties have been personally served with the Notice of Hearing using the DE-120(PA) form as an attachment. Keep a record of who was served, along with the date and time of service.
3
File Proof of Service: Once the personal service is complete, file the completed Proof of Service with the court to demonstrate compliance with notification requirements. This is typically done using the DE-120P form or equivalent in conjunction with DE-120(PA).
4
Wait for Hearing Date: Monitor any responses from interested parties and prepare for the upcoming court hearing. The hearing date should be on the original Notice of Hearing, which should have been served on the relevant parties.
5
Attend Court Hearing: Attend the court hearing on the scheduled date. Be prepared to present any relevant information or documentation as needed to support your case in the probate matter.
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