When you need form FL-117
When involved in a divorce proceeding in California, the FL-117 Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt form is used to officially notify the respondent of the pending legal action. This form is particularly useful for serving papers at the start of divorce proceedings when personal service is not feasible or desired.
Before utilizing the FL-117 form, specific actions or documents may trigger its need:
- Filing of Divorce Petition (FL-100): When you initiate divorce proceedings.
- Summons (FL-110): This accompanies the petition to officially inform the respondent.
- Service by Mail: Opting to serve papers through mail rather than personal service.
In essence, this form acts as a practical tool for ensuring that the respondent is aware of the legal process they are involved in, serving as acknowledged proof of receipt. The recipient’s signed acknowledgment is crucial as it confirms that they have been served, allowing the legal process to proceed smoothly.
1. **Identify the Recipient**: Determine the individual who needs to acknowledge receipt of the documents, as this form serves as proof of service.
2. **Complete the Sender's Portion**: The sender fills in items 1 through 4, including the names, addresses, and content of the documents being served, and signs the form.
3. **Mail the Form**: Send the FL-117 form, along with the necessary legal documents, to the recipient via mail.
4. **Recipient's Acknowledgment**: The recipient should complete items 5 and 6, signing the form to acknowledge receipt of the documents.
5. **Return the Form**: The recipient must return the signed acknowledgment to the sender, which serves as confirmation that they have received the legal documents as intended.