What Is Service of Process?
In the case of a person having actions taken against him in the court of law, the United States requires that person to be properly notified in order to maintain Due Process of Law. This Service of Process is also called process serving. Though the laws and rules differ in each state, the general idea remains consistent.
The defendant must be notified of the court procedures in which he is involved. This notification needs to occur through the personal delivery of legal documents. If the personal delivery proves impossible, a “substituted service” is often allowed. Depending on state laws, substituted service includes leaving the documents with an adult resident at the defendant’s home or posting the service in the newspaper.
Who Serves the Papers?
Service of process was originally performed only by sheriffs and agents of the court, but legislation changed recently to allow qualified people outside the courts and law enforcement to participate in service of process. Private process servers have reduced the encumbrance on local law enforcement and allowed for a quick and efficient service of process option.
How Do Private Process Servers Help to Serve Papers?
If you hire a private process server, he will complete all research necessary to identify the exact rules of Service of Process in the indicated jurisdiction, locate the party in question, deliver the documents, and provide a notarized Proof of Service to you.
Private process servers don’t just serve the papers, they also complete all of the complex, detailed research required to identify the specific rules of serving papers in a certain jurisdiction. In addition, instead of waiting for the courts to have the time and resources to serve your papers, your server will make your papers his top priority.
You also have a specific point of contact for any questions or concerns, and you know exactly who is responsible for the process serving. If for any reason your papers are not served in accordance to specific state rules, your case can be delayed or dismissed, so it is crucial to hire a private process server you can trust.
