Delivering a summons, complaint, notice to quit tenancy or other legal document which must be served by handing it directly to the person named in the document. The delivery of legal notice to a party in a case. Notice consists of a copy of the complaint and a summons to appear in court, which must be served by handing it directly to the person named in the document. Also known as service of process. Service of Process is the delivery of legal notice to a party in a case. Any party who is being sued is entitled to advance notice of the suit. Notice consists of a copy of the complaint and a summons to appear in court.