If you are serving personal service in the county, the documents must be served at least 15 days prior to the court date. (20 days if out of county) For substituted service, subtract 25 days from the date the server mailed a copy of the court papers served (or 30 days if the person, business, or public entity is located outside the county). That's the deadline for serving your small claims forms. But you can serve the forms before the deadline. Please refer to form SC-104B for more information.