§ 647 Process Server Return Presumption

Evidence Code·California

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Key Takeaways

•If a registered process server says they delivered legal papers, the court will believe them unless someone proves otherwise.
•The person who got the papers has to show proof if they say they didn’t get them.
•This rule makes it easier to trust that legal papers were given the right way.

Example

A process server says they gave you court papers for a lawsuit, but you say you never got them.

The court will first believe the process server unless you can show proof, like a video or witness, that you didn’t get the papers.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 647 Process Server Return Presumption

The return of a process server registered pursuant to Chapter 16 (commencing with Section 22350) of Division 8 of the Business and Professions Code upon process or notice establishes a presumption, affecting the burden of producing evidence, of the facts stated in the return. (Added by Stats. 1978, Ch. 528.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

process server presumption burden of producing evidence

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Evidence Code. Section 647.

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References