Sections 684.010 and 684.020 do not apply to either of the following:
§ 684.030.Inapplicability to Subpoena Or Other Process and Contempt
Title 9. Enforcement of Judgments · Division 1 · Chapter 4. Manner of Service of Writs, Notices, and Other Papers · Article 1. Service on Attorney of Creditor or Debtor · Enacted 1982 · no amendments on record · Last verified July 28, 2026
In one sentenceSection 684.030 exempts a subpoena or other process compelling a party's attendance, and any paper used to bring a party into contempt, from the attorney-service rules of §§ 684.010 and 684.020, requiring those papers to be served on the party rather than routed through counsel.
Full Text of § 684.030
(a) A subpoena or other process to require the attendance of a party.
(b) A paper to bring a party into contempt.
Plain-English Summary
Attorney-service is convenient for routine papers, but it doesn't fit every situation. This section pulls two categories out of §§ 684.010 and 684.020 entirely: a subpoena or other process meant to require a party's personal attendance, and any paper used to bring a party into contempt.
The logic is practical. A subpoena compelling someone's presence, or a contempt paper accusing someone of violating a court order, needs to reach that person directly — routing it through an attorney of record wouldn't reliably put the party on notice of an obligation that's personal to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the attorney-service rules apply to a subpoena requiring a party's attendance?
No. Section 684.030(a) exempts a subpoena or other process to require a party's attendance from §§ 684.010 and 684.020.
What about a paper seeking to hold a party in contempt?
That's also exempt under subdivision (b), and must be served on the party rather than through the attorney-service mechanism.
Why are these two categories treated differently from ordinary enforcement papers?
Because they impose personal obligations or consequences on the party directly, so direct service on that party better ensures actual notice.
Amendment History
Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1364, Sec. 2. Operative July 1, 1983, by Sec. 3 of Ch. 1364.
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
the Deering's California Codes Annotated / vLex. Enacted by the California Legislature.
Last verified July 28, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: subpoena service exception judgment enforcementcontempt paper service california