What Types of Papers Does a Process Server Serve and What's the Process?

What is Process Service?

In the United States, all legal proceedings have to be acknowledged by all parties in a legal action suit that will be heard in a court of law. The service of process is the notification process of all parties. A process server delivers documents to each person that describes the legal action they are facing. The act of delivering the notices is called serving legal documents. The documents may be a court summons, a complaint, a subpoena, writ or any other type of court document.

How is a Person Served?

A process server hand delivers the documents to a person according to the legal proceedings in that area of service. A process server will ask if they are the person being served by name. Then, the person being served is handed the documents that they are being served. A substituted service may be performed when the defendant in the case is unavailable and the documents are handed to someone who resides in the same household or someone in the defendant’s business. As soon as the papers are delivered, the process server provides proof of service by completing an affidavit of service, getting it notarized and giving it to the party that requested the service process. The process server also files the documents with the court in which the defendant will appear.

How Much Does a Process Server Cost?

When you are entering into a court proceeding, it is best to have a process server to make certain that all parties are available when the case is being heard by a judge. The cost of service varies from each state and each type of case. When getting quotes on a process server, ask if they work in the area where the defendant lives, the cost, number of attempts to complete the service and the estimated turn around time. Some process servers also specialize in serving persons who are hard to find or are avoiding being served.

If you're looking for a qualified process server, contact Same Day Process today.