Starting late in October, we're taking the first step toward SPARE compliance: attempts on California jobs that aren't recorded in the ServeManager mobile app will need a reason. Here's what's changing, why we're doing it, and how we'll help you get ready for January 1.
Why we're making this change
Getting ahead of the SPARE Act: Starting 1/1/27, proof of personal, substituted, or posted service must include a photo of the site of each attempt, stamped with the date, time, and GPS coordinates. The ServeManager app captures the date, time, and GPS location of every attempt automatically, so recording in the app puts your team in the best position to meet the new standard. For a closer look at what the law requires, read our SPARE Act (AB 747) article.
Protecting the integrity of the platform: As you know, every affidavit you sign is a sworn statement that firms and courts rely on. Attempts recorded in the app, at the address, are the clearest record that service happened exactly as described.
Building trust: Consistent, app-recorded attempts help customers file your affidavits with confidence, which keeps work coming your way. It also enhances our standing with the courts when they see an proof of service with One Legal on it.
What's changing
Which jobs: Attempts on One Legal jobs made on the desktop version where the court case is in California or entered after the fact in the mobile app. Attempts recorded in the mobile app in real-time, jobs with a registered agent, and Court Copy Delivery or pFiling attempts aren't affected.
Desktop attempts need a reason: When an attempt is logged, or photos are added from desktop instead of the mobile app, you'll be asked to select a reason and write a detailed statement explaining why the app wasn't used. Adding attempts in bulk? You'll answer once, and it applies to each attempt.
The reasons you can choose:
No GPS or cellular signal, Taking a photo compromised my safety, or Other.
The first two options match the situations the SPARE Act itself allows for: the law asks for a detailed statement when there's no GPS or signal, or when taking a photo would put the server's safety at risk. Statements need at least 10 characters for no signal, and at least 50 for Safety or Other. In other words, the courts want a detailed description as to why this attempt wasn't done correctly."Other" is temporary: We know some contractors are still moving to the app, so "Other" gives you room while you do. However, It's available for a limited time, and we'll give you a heads-up before it goes away. By 1/1/27, all California attempts move to the mobile app.
Third-party apps and outside GPS data: Attempts and GPS data from third-party apps or other outside sources won't be accepted on our platform, so every attempt needs to be recorded in the ServeManager app.
We're keeping an eye on desktop attempts: Our Contractor Success team will be monitoring desktop attempts on California jobs consistently. If something needs more detail, we'll reach out and work through it with you. By year's end, though, it will need to be an incredibly rare occurrence with a satisfying explanation.
What you don't have to worry about
Field problems happen. No signal or a safety concern at the door is exactly what the reasons were created for. Select the one that fits and describe as best you can what happened.
We're here to help. If something looks like an honest mistake, we'll reach out and sort it out with you, so you can keep getting assignments.