Free # Petition for Terminate Parent Child Relationship Packet - Arizona

PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENT / CHILD RELATIONSHIP

PINAL COUNTY
HOW TO SEVERANCE THE PARENTAL RIGHTS BETWEEN A PARENT AND MINOR CHILD INSTRUCTIONS AND FORMS
Provided as a Public Service by Kristi Youtsey Ruiz Clerk of the Superior Court

© Superior Court of Arizona in Pinal County August 21, 2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

SV Petition to Terminate Parental Rights Use only most current version

PINAL COUNTY CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT SELF SERVICE CENTER

SEVERANCE PACKET PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENT /CHILD RELATIONSHIP CHECKLIST
USE THESE FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS in this packet only if the following factors apply to your situation.



You are the natural parent, legal guardian of the child(ren) for whom you wish to severance parental rights. AND



The parent(s) for whom you wish to severance parental rights has not maintained a parental relationship with child(ren) AND



The parent(s) for whom you wish to severance parental rights has not provided financial support with child(ren).

The documents you have received are copyrighted by the Superior Court of Arizona in Pinal County. You have permission to use them for any lawful purpose. These forms shall not be used to engage in the unauthorized practice of law. The Court assumes no responsibility and accepts no liability for actions taken by users of these documents, including reliance on their contents. The documents are under continual revision and are current only for the day they were received. It is strongly recommended that you verify on a regular basis that you have the most current documents. It is strongly recommended that you contact an attorney to assist you in completing these forms if you have any questions.

© Superior Court of Arizona in Pinal County August 21, 2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

SV Petition to Terminate Parental Rights Use only most current version

PINAL COUNTY CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT SELF SERVICE CENTER

TABLE OF FORMS PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENT / CHILD RELATIONSHIP
How to assemble these documents:
This packet contains general information and instructions to file Petition for Termination of Parent / Child Relationship. Be sure this packet contains the following documents: Order 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Title Checklist ­ Use these forms if the following . . . . . . . . Table form ­ List of Documents in this packet Instructions: How to fill out the Petition for Termination of Parent / Child Relationship forms Procedures: How to file an Petition for Termination of Parent / Child Relationship Petition for Termination of Parent / Child Relationship Severance Cover Sheet Notice of Hearing on Petition for Termination of Parent / Child Relationship Order for Termination Helpful Information on Serving the Other Party Acceptance of Service ­ Severance Forms Affidavit of Service by Registered Mail Affidavit Supporting Publication ­ Declaration of Due Diligence 1 2 4 3 2 3 # of Pages 1 1 3 1 3 2

The documents you have received are copyrighted by the Superior Court of Arizona in Pinal County. You have permission to use them for any lawful purpose. These forms shall not be used to engage in the unauthorized practice of law. The Court assumes no responsibility and accepts no liability for actions taken by users of these documents, including reliance on their contents. The documents are under continual revision and are current only for the day they were received. It is strongly recommended that you verify on a regular basis that you have the most current documents. It is strongly recommended that you contact an attorney to assist you in completing these forms if you have any questions.

© Superior Court of Arizona in Pinal County August 21, 2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

SV Petition to Terminate Parental Rights Use only most current version

PINAL COUNTY CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT SELF SERVICE CENTER

INSTRUCTIONS: How to fill out the Petition for Termination of Parent / Child Relationship packet Initial Forms for Filing: Type or Print Neatly. Use black ink.
Petition for Termination of Parent / Child Relationship:
1. Fill in the name, address, and telephone number of the person filing the submitting the form. 2. In the Case Caption list the name(s) of the child(ren) for whom you what to terminate parental rights. 3. Leave the case number blank, this will be completed by personnel at the Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court when you file these documents. 4. Answer all the questions of the Petition for Termination of Parent / Child Relationship. 5. Sign your name on the Petitioner line and 2nd page of the Petition before a Notary to affirm that the information on the form is true and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief.

Severance Cover Sheet:
1. Fill in the Initiating Agency's name and address in appropriate box, if applicable. 2. Fill in the Petitioner's name and address in the appropriate box. 3. Fill in the Minor's name and address in the appropriate box. If there is additional children continue on the next page. 4. Fill in the Petitioner's attorney's name and address in the appropriate box, if applicable. 5. Place a check mark next to the Nature of Action. 6. Sing the document on the signature line provided on the next page.

Notice of Hearing on Petition for Termination of Parent / Child Relationship:
1. Fill in the name, address, and telephone number of the person filing the submitting the form. 2. In the Case Caption list the name(s) of the child(ren) for whom you what to terminate parental rights. 3. Leave the case number blank, this will be completed by personnel at the Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court when you file these documents. 4. Fill in your name and the other parent's name in the appropriate first three lines of the document. The deputy clerk at the Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court will complete the remaining part of this document.

Order for Termination:
1. Fill in the name, address, and telephone number of the person filing the submitting the form. 2. In the Case Caption list the name(s) of the child(ren) for whom you what to terminate parental rights. 3. Leave the case number blank, this will be completed by personnel at the Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court when you file these documents. 4. The Judge will complete the remaining part of the Order.

Making Copies:
Once you have filled the above forms, Petition (and signature notarized) Severance Cover Sheet, Notice of Hearing and Order for Termination make 2 set of copies of the these documents. Take the above initial original documents and copies, along with the other forms in the packet to the Office of the Clerk of Superior Court, see PROCEDURES: How to File Petition for Termination of Parent / Child Relationship.
© Superior Court of Arizona in Pinal County August 21, 2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED SV Petition to Terminate Parental Rights Use only most current version

Completing the Service forms:
Acceptance of Service:
After you have filed the initiating paperwork with the court use this form if this is the method of services that works best for you. Please read "Helpful Information on Serving the Other Party" to determine what works for you. 1. Fill in the name, address and telephone number of the other party receiving the copies of court documents. 2. In the Case Caption list the name(s) of the child(ren) for whom termination of parental rights is being requested. 3. Write the case number that is written on the Petition for Termination of Parent / Child Relationship. (This may already be printed on the form). 4. Check the boxes that you have received copies of. 5. The other party must sign the Acceptance of Service form in front of a Notary Public and return the original form to you. 6. Make a copy for your record and file the original form with the Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court.

Affidavit of Service by Registered Mail:
After you filed the initiating paperwork with the court use this form if this is the method of services that works best for you. Please read "Helpful Information on Serving the Other Party" to determine what works for you. 1. Fill in the name, address and telephone number of the person who initiated the severance case. 2. In the Case Caption list the name(s) of the child(ren) for whom termination of parental rights is being requested. 3. Write the case number that is written on the Petition for Termination of Parent / Child Relationship. (This may already be printed on the form). 4. Answer the questions regarding service by registered mail. 5. Sign the document in front of a Notary Public or Deputy Clerk of the Clerk of the Superior Court. 6. Attach the original green return receipt to the second page where indicated. 7. Make a copy for your record and file the original form with the Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court.

Affidavit Supporting Publication:
After you have filed the initiating paperwork with the court use this form if this is the method of services that works best for you. Please read "Helpful Information on Serving the Other Party" to determine what works for you. 1. Fill in the name, address and telephone number of the person who initiated the severance case. 2. In the Case Caption list the name(s) of the child(ren) for whom termination of parental rights is being requested. 3. Write the case number that is written on the Petition for Termination of Parent / Child Relationship. (This may already be printed on the form). 4. After publication has been complete, answer all the questions regarding why publication was the best method of serve on the other party. 5. Enter the dates of publication. 6. Sign the document in front of a Notary Public or Deputy Clerk of the Clerk of the Superior Court. 7. You must also file an Affidavit of Publication (original clipping from the newspaper), along with the Affidavit Supporting Publication. The Affidavit of Publication can be obtained from the newspaper. 8. Make a copy for your record and file the original form with the Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court.

© Superior Court of Arizona in Pinal County August 21, 2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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PINAL COUNTY CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT SELF SERVICE CENTER PROCEDURES: HOW TO FILE PETITION FOR FOR TERMINATION OF PARENT / CHILD RELATIONSHIP STEP 1
You have filled out the "Petition for Termination of Parent / Child Relationship" and make copies as directed in the instructions provided in this package. Make sure you take all the forms provided in the packet, so that the deputy clerk can stamp all documents will the case number, judge and division that the case will be assigned to.

STEP 2

GO TO THE CLERK OF COURT TO FILE YOUR PAPERS: The Court is open from 8am ­ 5pm, Monday thru Friday, with the exception of major holidays. You should go to the Court at least 2 hours before it closes. There is no filing fee for filing this Petition with the court. You may file your paper with the
Clerk of the Superior Court at the following locations:

FLORENCE: Clerk of the Superior Court 971 Jason Lopez Circle Building A Florence, AZ 85232 APACHE JUNCTION: Clerk of the Superior Court 575 N. Idaho Road Suite 109 Apache Junction, AZ 85219

CASA GRANDE: Clerk of the Superior Court 820 E. Cottonwood Lane, Building B Casa Grande, AZ 85222 MAMMOTH: Clerk of the Superior Court 118 Catalina County Complex Mammoth, AZ 85618

PAPERS Give the completed original initiating documents, Petition for Termination of Parent / Child,Severance Coversheet, Notice of Hearing and Order for Termination, plus 2 sets of copies of each document to the deputy clerk at the customer service counter. The Deputy Clerk will process your Petition and return conform copies to you. Make sure to give the Deputy Clerk all other forms provided in the packet so that the Deputy Clerk can stamp case number, judge's name and division. When stamped, the deputy clerk will return these form to you for you to use at a later time, if applicable.

STEP 3

NOTIFY THE OTHER PARTY: Give legal notice of the "Petition for Termination of Parent / Child Relationship". After filing original documents the clerk will give you two set of copies; one for your record, the other for service on the other party, by:

Service by Acceptance. Service by Registered Mail.

Service by a licensed process server or Sheriff's Office. Service by Publication.

See the enclosed "Helpful information on Serving the Other Party" to help you determine how to give legal notice to the other party.

STEP 4 STEP 5

VERIFICATION OF SERVICE TO THE COURT: Once service is complete, you must file the original proof of service to the court. FINAL HEARING: At the Final Hearing, the Judge will review pleading and method of service and if appropriate sign the Order for Termination.

© Superior Court of Arizona in Pinal County August 21, 2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Name of Person Filing Document: Your Mailing Address: ______ Your Telephone Number: Attorney Bar Number (if applicable): ______ Self (Without Attorney) OR Attorney Petitioner Representing

Respondent

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA
PINAL COUNTY
In the Matter of the Severance of: ) ) ) ) ) ) ) Minor Child / Children ) ____________________________________)

Case No. SV 2 PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF PARENT / CHILD RELATIONSHIP

The Petitioner allege as follows:
1. That the names and residence of the Petitioner is:

2. That the name(s), sex, date(s) and place(s) of birth and residence of the minor child(ren) is / are:

3. That the minor child(ren) is /are present in the State of Arizona:

Yes

or

No.

If no, Explain:__________________________________________________________________. 4. That the relationship of the Petitioner(s) to the minor child(ren is: _________________________________________________________________________________.

© Superior Court of Arizona in Pinal County August 21, 2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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5. That the names, addresses, and the dates of birth of the parents, if known are: __________________________________________________________________________________

6. That the person or agency having legal custody of the minor child(ren):

7. That the grounds for termination of the parent ­ child relationship is: ( ) that __________________________________ has abandoned the child(ren) and has made no

effort to maintain a parental relationship with said child(ren). ( ) that _________________________________ has not provided support and has nor

communicated with said child(ren) for six (6) months or longer. ( ) that _________________________________ has made only token efforts to support or

communicate with said child(ren). 8. That Petitioner(s) have petitioned for the adoption of __________________________________. WHEREFORE it is requested that the Court set the matter for hearing and that the parent / child(ren) relationship of ___________________________________ and _______________________________, _____________________, ________________________, ____________________________ be severed. __________________________________________ Petitioner __________________________________________ Petitioner

© Superior Court of Arizona in Pinal County August 21, 2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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STATE OF ARIZONA County of Pinal

) ) ss. )

___________________________________________, being first duly sworn, says: That I have read the foregoing Petition for Termination of Parent / Child Relationship and know the contents thereof; that the matters and things therein set forth are true to the best of my own knowledge and belief. ____________________________________ Petitioner Subscribed and sworn to before me this _________ day of _____________________, _________ ____________________________________ Notary Public

STATE OF ARIZONA County of Pinal

) ) ss. )

___________________________________________, being first duly sworn, says: That I have read the foregoing Petition for Termination of Parent / Child Relationship and know the contents thereof; that the matters and things therein set forth are true to the best of my own knowledge and belief. ____________________________________ Petitioner Subscribed and sworn to before me this _________ day of _____________________, _________ ____________________________________ Notary Public

© Superior Court of Arizona in Pinal County August 21, 2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

SV Petition to Terminate Parental Rights Use only most current version

Arizona Superior Court, Pinal County
Severance Cover Sheet
Pursuant to Rule 4.1 Superior Court Local Rules - Pinal County, please provide the following information. (Type or print)

CASE NUMBER SV-___________________

ASSIGNED TO HON. _________________________

INITIATING AGENCY'S NAME and ADDRESS
Name: Address: City/State/Zip: City/State/Zip: Telephone: Social Security Number: DOB: Name: Address:

MINOR'S NAME

PETITIONER'S NAME and ADDRESS
Name:

PETITIONER'S ATTORNEY'S NAME and ADDRESS
Name: State Bar #:

Address: Address: City/State/Zip: City/State/Zip: Telephone: Telephone

NATURE OF ACTION Place an "X" next to the one which describe the nature of the case.

SEVERANCE __________ SV1

Page 1 of 2

© Superior Court of Arizona in Pinal County August 21, 2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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NAMES OF ADDITIONAL MINORS

Soc. Sec. #

BIRTH DATES OF ADDITIONAL MINORS:

________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________

_______________ _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________

_____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________

To the best of my knowledge, all information is true and correct

________________________________________________________ Attorney / ProPer Signature

NOTICE Effective September 8, 1992 and pursuant to Pinal County Superior Court Administrative Order No. 92-15, the Superior Court requires that a "Cover Sheet", which categorizes the cause of action, accompany any new action filed with the Superior Court in Pinal County. For this purpose, this form has been developed. The cover sheet will result in increased accuracy of court records and statistics, and in reduced processing time for new case filings. Forms will be made available at the Clerk of the Superior Court's Filing Counter.
PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE THIS FORM WITH CASES WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN FILED.

This form can only be processed at the time of filing New Complaints and Petitions.

Thank you for assisting us with our efforts to improve service. Rev 05-08-02

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Name of Person Filing Document: Your Mailing Address: ______ Your Telephone Number: Attorney Bar Number (if applicable): ______ Representing Self (Without Attorney) OR Attorney Petitioner

Respondent

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA
PINAL COUNTY
In the Matter of the Severance of: ) ) ) ) ) ) ) Case No. SV 2 NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR TEMINATION OF PARENT / CHILD RELATIONSHIP

Minor Child / Children

A petition to terminate the parent / child relationship between _________________________________ and ___________________________________________________________ having been filed by ____________________________________________________________, the Petitioner herein states: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Petition for Termination of Parent / Child Relationship is set for hearing on the ____________ day of _______________________________, ____________ at __________________ a.m. / p.m. in the Superior Court, Division __________, Pinal County Courthouse, Florence, Arizona, and all persons interested in the matter are notified then and there to appear and show cause, if any they have, why said Order Terminating the Parent- Child Relationship should not be granted. You have a right to appear as a party in this proceeding. The failure of a parent to appear at the initial hearing, the pretrial conference, the status conference or the termination adjudication hearing may result in an adjudication terminating the parent-child relationship of that parent. DATED this _____________ day of ____________________________, _____________. KRISTI YOUTSEY RUIZ Clerk of the Superior Court By ___________________________ Deputy Clerk

© Superior Court of Arizona in Pinal County August 21, 2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Name of Person Filing Document: Your Mailing Address: ______ Your Telephone Number: Attorney Bar Number (if applicable): ______ Self (Without Attorney) OR Attorney Petitioner Representing

Respondent

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA
PINAL COUNTY
In the Matter of the Severance of: ) ) ) ) ) ) ) Minor Child / Children ) ____________________________________)

Case No. SV 2 ORDER FOR TERMINATION

A Petition for Termination of the Parent / Child Relationship having been filed herein and the matter having been heard, this Court finds: That the child / children is present in the State of Arizona and that this Court has jurisdiction; That the parent, _______________________________________ has abandoned the child / children, ____________________, _____________________, __________________. That the parent,

__________________________________________ has made no effort to maintain a parental relationship with the child / children; That the child / children, ________________________, ________________________, _________________________; has / have been left without any provisions for his support and without any communications from ___________________________________, for a period of six months or longer, to-wit: _________________________________________

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WHEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUGED AND DECREED that the parent / child relationship of ___________________________ and ______________________, _________________________, _____________________________ is terminated and that the parent / child relationship of ____________________________________ is not affected and guardianship and responsibility for the child's / children's support shall remain with ___________________________________________________. DONE IN OPEN COURT this _______ day of ________________________, ________.

____________________________________ JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT

© Superior Court of Arizona in Pinal County August 21, 2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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PINAL COUNTY CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT SELF-SERVICE CENTER HELPFUL INFORMATION ON SERVING THE OTHER PARTY SERVING THE OTHER PARTY:
· · · · After you have filed your court papers with the Clerk of the Court, you must serve the papers on the other party. Service means giving legal notice to the other party that you have filed court papers. You must provide proof of service to the court. This packet explains the steps you need to take to serve the other party and what forms you must use. By completing the steps for service, you tell the court that the other party has received a copy of the court papers. After the other party is served, the other party will be given a time limit to file a Response or Answer. The Response or Answer is the other party's written statement to your request. The Response or Answer tells you, and the court, what the other party wants.

METHODS OF SERVICE:
Read the choices below to make sure that you are using the correct service packet. Each packet contains instructions and the forms you may need. Select the method of service that works best for you.

1.

You Know Where the Other Party Lives in the State of Arizona.
A. Service by Acceptance. This method requires you to give, or mail, the court papers to the other
party and include an "Acceptance of Service" form. The other party must sign the "Acceptance of Service" form in front of a Notary Public and return it to you. The other party cannot sign the "Acceptance of Service" until after you have filed the court papers with the court. The other party's signature on the "Acceptance of Service" does not mean that he/she agrees with the court papers. It means that the other party admits receiving the papers, without being served in person by the sheriff or a process server. If you choose this method of service, use the "ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICE Severance forms" form provided in this packet. WARNING: Do not use this method of service if you are the victim of domestic violence, or believe the other party will hurt you, take your money, or take your children. If you believe the other party will become violent or uncooperative when you ask him/her to accept service, use one of the methods of service described below.

B.

Service by Registered Process Server. This method requires you to hire, and pay, a registered process server to serve the other party with court papers. A process server is a person who will give the papers to the other party at home, work, or other location. This method of service costs more than service by acceptance and requires the process server to find the other party. The process server will give the Court a Sworn Affidavit of Service stating that the person was served. If you decide to use this method, look under "PROCESS SERVER" in the Yellow Pages to find someone who can serve your papers.

© Superior Court of Arizona in Pinal County August 21, 2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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C.

Service by Sheriff. This method requires you to contact the Sheriff's Office in the county where the
other party lives to arrange for a Sheriff's deputy to give the other party the court papers. This method requires you to pay a fee to the Sheriff's Office, unless you receive a fee deferral or waiver. The fee deferral or waiver form that Arizona uses is available at the Self-Service Center and is only for persons who cannot afford the cost of service and meet certain financial requirements. The Sheriff's Office will give the Court a Sworn Affidavit of Service stating that the person was served.

D.

Other Methods of Service. There may be other ways to serve the other party. To learn more about these other ways, you may want to research Arizona Rules of Civil Procedures and /or Arizona Rules of Family Law or you should see a lawyer for help.

2.

You Know Where the Other Party Lives in the United States but he/she does not live in the State of Arizona. (If the other party lives outside of the United States, you should see a lawyer to find out which method of service will work best for you.)
A. Service by Acceptance. This method requires you to give or mail the court papers to the other
party and include an "Acceptance of Service" form. The other party must sign the "Acceptance of Service" form in front of a Notary Public and return it to you. The other party cannot sign the "Acceptance of Service" until after you have filed the court papers with the court. The other party's signature on the "Acceptance of Service" does not mean that he/she agrees with the court papers. It means that the other party admits receiving the papers, without being served in person by the sheriff or a process server. If you choose this method of service, use the "ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICE Severance Forms" form provided in this packet. WARNING: Do not use this method of service if you are the victim of domestic violence, or believe the other party will hurt you, take your money, or take your children. If you believe the other party will become violent or uncooperative when you ask him/her to accept service, use one of the methods of service described below.

B.

Service by Registered Mail. Use this method of service only if the other party lives outside the State of Arizona and you know the address. This method of service allows you to give notice by a special type of mail. You can send the court papers by giving the post office copies of the court papers in an envelope, postage prepaid, to be sent to the other party by any form of mail requiring a signed and returned receipt. This is often called Certified Mail, Restricted Delivery by the post office. This means that the other party must sign for the papers.
If the other party signs a receipt (green card) for the papers, the green card will be returned to you in the mail. You must then file an affidavit with the court stating (1) that the person being served is known to be located outside the State of Arizona, (2) that the court papers were sent to the other party, (3) that the papers were received by the other party, as evidenced by the green card, a copy of which you attach to the affidavit; and (4) the date the party received the documents. If you choose this method of service, use the "AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE BY REGISTERED MAIL" form provided in this packet.

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C.

Service by Registered Process Server. This method requires you to hire, and pay, a
registered process server to serve the other party with court papers. A process server is a person who will give the papers to the other party at home, work, or other location. This method of service costs more than service by acceptance and requires the process server to find the other party. The process server will give the Court a Sworn Affidavit of Service stating that the person was served. If you decide to use this method, you would need to find a registered process server in the state where the other party lives.

D.

Service by Sheriff. This method requires you to contact the Sheriff's Office in the county where the
other party lives to arrange for a Sheriff's deputy to give the other party the court papers. This method requires you to pay a fee to the Sheriff's Office, The Sheriff's Office will give the Court a Sworn Affidavit of Service stating that the person was served. If you decide to use this method, you would need to contact the Sheriff's Office in the state and county where the other party lives.

E.

Other Methods of Service. There may be other ways to serve the other party. To learn more
about these other ways, you may want to research Arizona Rules of Civil Procedures and /or Arizona Rules of Family Law or you should see a lawyer for help.

3.

You Cannot Find the Other Party.
A. Service by Publication. You may use this method only if you do not know where the other
party lives, or cannot find the other party. Service by publication is your "last resort." It is used only if you do not have a current address for the other party and have tried, unsuccessfully, to find the other party. Use a paper of general circulation and that are familiar with the requirements and regularly publishes legal notices.

Tips for Finding the Other party: Before the Court will accept Service by Publication; you must
have made every reasonable effort to find the Respondent and to give actual notice of this case by personal service of the required documents. You will be required to state, under penalty of perjury, the steps you have taken to try to locate the Respondent and if the Court is not satisfied that you have taken all reasonable steps, your case may be delayed until the Court is satisfied all such steps have been taken. Examples of steps you MUST take: verify the Respondent is not at any last known address (es), talk to Respondent's friends, family members, employer, co-workers former co-workers or employer(s), or anyone else you think may have a current address. Search telephone directories, the Internet, voter registration records, obituaries, and even the morgue. You may also have to consider hiring a private detective or a company that charges a fee to do computer searches to help you track down the other party. If you know the other party's date of birth and/or Social Security Number, this method may work for you. Service by Publication can be expensive and may delay your court case. You would need to contact the newspaper to determine the cost of publication. You may inquire if the newspaper will accept a fee deferral or waiver from the court. The Application for Deferral form is available at the Self-Service Center and is only for persons who cannot afford the cost of publication and meet certain financial requirements. 1. Publication must been done in the county were the case originated: This method requires that a copy of the "Notice of Hearing" be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Pinal County once a week for four consecutive weeks. If the other party's last known address was also in Pinal County, then the publication above will suffice for service to the other party.

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2. How to publish service if the other party's last known address is in Arizona, but not in the county in which your case in pending: A. You must publish in the county in which your case is pending and you must publish in a newspaper in the county of the last known residence of the person to be served. B. To publish in another county (not Pinal County) you will need to contact a newspaper in that county. C. After you have contact the newspaper and inquired about publication mail or deliver the payment (or certified copy of the Order of Deferral) and "Letter to Newspaper" provided in this packet, along with copies of the Summons or documents you filed with the Court, to the newspaper for publication. D. Wait for the newspaper to send you the original document called "Affidavit of Publication" in five weeks.

B.

Complete Your Paperwork. Fill out the "Affidavit of Supporting Publication" provided
in this packet. The Affidavit of Supporting Publication is a statement affirming or swearing under oath that you have done everything possible to try to find the other party. File the original "Affidavit Supporting Publication" with the Clerk of the Superior Court. You must also file the "Affidavit of Publication" that you received for the newspaper(s), verifying and stating the dates of publication.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: When your hearing date arrives and you have failed to provide proof of serve, for the other party, to the court, the Court will delay the signing of the final Order.

© Superior Court of Arizona in Pinal County August 21, 2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Name of Person Filing: Your Address: Your City, State, Zip Code: Your Telephone Number: Attorney Bar Number (if applicable): Representing Self (Without an Attorney) or

Petitioner or

Respondent

SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA PINAL COUNTY
In the Matter of

) ) ) ) ) ) ) )

Case No. SV 2

ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICE (Severance Forms)

THE PERSON WHO SIGNED BELOW MAKES THESE STATEMENTS UNDER OATH: 1. COURT PAPERS. I acknowledge that I have voluntarily accepted a copy of the following legal papers. (Check
the boxes that apply to the copies you have received. Do not check the box unless you received the document). Petition for Termination of Parent / Child Relationship Notice of Hearing on Petition for Termination of Parent / Child Relationship OTHER (List Documents if applicable):

2.

ACCEPT AND WAIVE FORMAL SERVICE. I waive formal service of process (service by a process

server or sheriff), and understand by accepting these papers, it is the same as if I were personally served under Arizona Law [Rules 4, 4.1, 4.2, Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure]. my right or obligation to file a written Response or Answer to this action is not affected. I understand that if I do not agree with any relief asked for in the Petition, I must Respond or Answer within 20 days from the day I signed the original of this Acceptance of Service, if I accepted service in Arizona, or 30 days from the day I signed the original of this Acceptance of Service, if I received the papers somewhere other than Arizona. action in court, within the time allowed by law, that I may lose my right to be heard in this case. I understand that failure to Respond or Answer could result in the court giving the other party any and all things requested in their legal papers through a Default Judgment or Order

3.

RESPONSE DEADLINE. I am aware that by accepting service of these court papers and signing this paper,

4.

DEFAULT JUDGMENT, ORDER OR DECREE. I understand that if I do not appear and defend this

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5.

MILITARY SERVICE. I am not in the military forces of the United States of America in any capacity or I waive the protection of the Soldiers and Sailors Relief Act.

Signature of Person Accepting Service Street Address: City, State, Zip Code: Telephone Number: SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me this day of , 20 ,

My Commission Expires:

By Deputy Clerk/Notary Public

© Superior Court of Arizona in Pinal County August 21, 2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Name of Person Filing: Your Address: Your City, State, Zip Code: Your Telephone Number: Attorney Bar Number (if applicable):
Representing Self (Without an Attorney) or Petitioner or Respondent

SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA PINAL COUNTY
In the Matter of
) ) ) ) ) )

Case No. AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE BY REGISTERED MAIL

STATE OF ARIZONA COUNTY OF PINAL 1.

) )ss.

I am familiar with the facts stated in this Affidavit, and I make this Affidavit to show that I have served the court papers on the other party by registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, pursuant to Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 4.2(c). Person served (name of other party): Address where other party was served: Date of receipt by the other party: Date of return of receipt to sender:

2.

I know that the other party is located outside the State of Arizona. The following documents were sent to the other party by registered mail (List all of the documents sent to the other party): These court papers were received by the other party as shown by the original receipt that is attached to this Affidavit. Signature of Sender

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me this

day of By Deputy Clerk/Notary Public

, 20

,

My Commission Expires:

© Superior Court of Arizona in Pinal County August 21, 2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

SV Petition to Terminate Parental Rights Use only most current version

Attach your mail return receipt here.

© Superior Court of Arizona in Pinal County August 21, 2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

SV Petition to Terminate Parental Rights Use only most current version

Name of Person Filing: Your Address: Your City, State, Zip Code: Your Telephone Number: Attorney Bar Number (if applicable): Representing Self (Without an Attorney) or

Petitioner or

Respondent

SUPERIOR COURT OF ARIZONA PINAL COUNTY
In the Matter of ) ) ) ) ) )
) )ss.

Case No.

AFFIDAVIT SUPPORTING PUBLICATION
(and Declaration of Due Diligence)

STATE OF ARIZONA COUNTY OF PINAL 1.

I make this Affidavit to tell the Court why service by publication was used, and to show how service by publication was done. Pursuant to Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules 4.1(e) and 4.2(e), service by publication is the best way to notify the other party of this court case because the other party is: Avoiding service of process. I have mailed, postage prepaid, a copy of the following legal documents:

2.

to the last known address of the other party on or before the first date of publication, OR The other party's residence is unknown. I have not mailed copies of the proceedings to the other party. 3. The residence and whereabouts of the other party is unknown to me, even though I have made a diligent search to find out. My search failed to reveal any information that might lead to knowledge about the other party's residence or whereabouts. This is what I did to try to find the other party (Explain in detail here everything you did to try to find the other party):

© Superior Court of Arizona in Pinal County August 21, 2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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4.

To the best of my knowledge, information and belief, the other party is not in the military service of the United States. The following document(s) a newspaper in the county where my case is pending on the following dates: A. / / , B. / / , C. AND/OR The following document(s) was/were published in a newspaper in the county of the other party's last known address or in an adjoining county if no newspaper is published in the county of the other party's last known address, which is in Arizona and that address is not within the county in which my case is pending: A. / / , B. / / , C. / / , D. / / . / / , D. / / was/were published in

5.

.

6. 7.

An Affidavit of Publication for each newspaper has been filed into court record. I have read this statement and know of my own knowledge that the facts stated herein are true and correct. Your Signature

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me this

day of

, 20

,

My Commission Expires:

By Deputy Clerk/Notary Public

© Superior Court of Arizona in Pinal County August 21, 2006 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

SV Petition to Terminate Parental Rights Use only most current version