An Order of Protection will be handed to (served to) the defendant if they are present when the judge issues the Order. Orders not served in court can be served to the defendant by anyone over 18 who isn’t you. This includes a family member, friend, or a hired process server. You can also ask the NYC Sheriff or NYPD to serve the Order.
The NYC Sheriff can serve Orders of Protection during their business hours. After business hours, the NYPD can help you. There is no fee for this service.
Orders of Protection must be served at least 24 hours before the court date.
NYC Sheriff
The Offices of the NYC Sheriff are open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. You can make your request by mail or in person at the NYC Sheriff's Office in the borough where the Order will be served.
Learn more about getting help from the NYC Sheriff’s Office on the Serving Legal Papers page.
NYPD
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) helps people serve a summons directed by an Order of Protection.
To get police assistance serving a summons, bring the summons to the local police precinct where the Order will be served.