Hi IrishLass here, I have been served papers from California in a civil case. The summons was issued over a year ago in March 2006 and I was served in Ireland in April 2007, under Irish law the you have to be served a summons within a year. Therefore is the summons legal. I have 30days to reply. I will not be able to defend this case. I don't know what protection I have under Irish law as an Irish citizen. Can they come after me over here? I have talked to a solicitor here but they seem to think I need a lawyer in US. Should I take this seriously? Very worried Irish Lass:confused:

Most likely California has already ruled on the case in your absent. Call the California court and request copies of the suit.

Make copies of the documents you were served with, send them back to California with a Motion to Dismiss for lack of proper service since it has been over 1 year.

Do not agree to anything.

Can they try and seize assets in Ireland? Like house, wages etc?

Anymore information on this matter would be gratefully accepted. Thanks mr. yet for your help.

I am confused. How could a US state serve a citizen of Ireland? I thought only criminal cases could be prosecuted across national boundaries.

Were you served to appear in court or were you given notice that a judgement had been awarded in your absence?

California has no jurisdiction in the UK, they would have to transfer the case to the UK for prosecution. This mostly likely will not happen. California cannot levy, or seize any asset in the UK without the approval of a UK court.

Send the Motion to Dismiss for improper service, and lack of personal jurisdiction over the defendant (YOU).

It is a civil matter and I have 30 days to reply to the court, there was no court date on papers. Thanks for all your help, as you can imagine I am fairly confused by the whole matter.