Kentucky · First attempt in 5–7 days
Routine Process Serving in Kentucky
Routine is the standard Kentucky service level: the first attempt is made within 5–7 days at the county's published starting rate, with follow-up attempts spread across different times of day.
When there is time to plan
Most Kentucky summonses are not tied to a hearing next week. A complaint filed in Circuit or District Court, or a federal case in the Eastern or Western District, usually leaves room for a planned sequence of attempts.
Routine fits that calendar. It costs the least, and the 5–7 day window still leaves time for follow-up visits before the answer period or a scheduling order becomes a concern.
What Routine includes
Standard Kentucky service: first attempt in 5–7 days at the county starting rate, documented on video.
- County starting rateJefferson County's Routine starting rate is $125; every county's rate appears on the service-areas page.
- First attempt in 5–7 daysThe clock starts when DFS has the papers and a confirmed quote.
- Varied attempt timesLater attempts move between morning, afternoon and evening to improve the chance of finding the person.
- Full recordBody-camera footage, GPS-stamped attempt logs and field notes for each visit.
- Signed proof of serviceA proof of service completed for the issuing court and signed by the person who made service.
What it costs in Jefferson County
Every Kentucky county has its own published starting rate, from $125 to $255 for Routine service. Look up any county on the Kentucky pricing map or the five-state map.
Jefferson County · Kentucky
Published starting rates. Final pricing depends on the address, urgency and document readiness and is confirmed in writing before the first attempt. *Same Day Rush availability is assessed case by case; any request for service within 24 hours is billed as Same Day Rush. Outside Tennessee, DFS provides process serving only.
How a Routine file moves
- Request and quoteSend the papers and address; DFS confirms county, level and price in writing.
- Server checkDFS confirms before the first attempt that the assigned server meets the issuing court's requirements for that document.
- AttemptsThe first attempt is made within 5–7 days and later attempts follow at different times.
- ReturnThe signed proof of service is sent to you for filing.
Routine limits
Routine is a scheduling choice, not a promise that service will be completed by a certain date.
- If a deadline moves up, the file can be upgraded to Urgent or Rush; the new price is confirmed before work continues.
- Kentucky's rules do not allow papers to be left with a household member, so attempts continue until personal delivery, a refused offer or a new address from counsel.
- Where the issuing court requires sheriff service or a court-appointed server, DFS tells you before any attempt.
Questions about routine service (ky)
What does Routine cost in Lexington or Louisville?
Fayette and Jefferson counties both have a $125 Routine starting rate. The final price is confirmed in writing before the first attempt.
Are more attempts billed separately at Routine?
The written quote states what is included for that address. Ask at intake if you expect a hard-to-reach defendant.
Can I switch to a faster level later?
Yes. Tell DFS and the file moves to Urgent, Rush or Same Day Rush at that level's rate, confirmed before the next attempt.
Kentucky guides
Longer answers from the DFS Guides & FAQ.
Related pages
More on process serving in Kentucky.
Reviewed October 2026 by Delator Field Services. General information about Kentucky practice, not legal advice.
Papers to serve in Kentucky?
Send the documents and the recipient’s last known address through the request form. DFS confirms the county, service level and price in writing before the first attempt.
Questions first? Call or text (629) 310-8667 or email contact@delatorgroup.com.