Legal Question in Family Law in California

The Respondent does not have to sign the Summons. Service of the Summons, and any other required papers, must be made on the Respondent by someone who is not a party to the action, and is over the age of 18. There is a procedure in which a party may be served by mail, and sign an Acknowledgement of Receipt. If they refuse that method, they must be served by another method. The person that serves the summons is required to execute a proof of service, and file the proof of service of the Summons, your Petition, and any other required papers that were served, with the court.