Professional Process Servers vs. Alternative Methods

What Is a Professional Process Server?

• Delivering Legal Documents: Ensure that summonses, complaints, subpoenas, and other legal papers reach the intended recipients promptly.
• Providing Proof of Service: Supply affidavits or certificates confirming that documents have been served, which is essential for court records.
• Adhering to Legal Requirements: Follow state and federal laws governing the service of process to maintain the validity of the service.

Process Server vs. Sheriff

Availability and Priority

• Professional Process Servers: Serving legal documents is their primary focus. They often offer flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate recipients' schedules.
• Sheriff Departments: Sheriffs have numerous responsibilities beyond serving papers, such as law enforcement duties. Consequently, serving legal documents may not be prioritized, potentially leading to delays.

Speed of Service

• Professional Process Servers: These professionals typically provide faster service due to their specialized focus and flexibility. They can often make multiple attempts in a short period.
• Sheriff Departments: Sheriffs may have limited availability and stricter schedules, which can result in longer service times.

Knowledge and Expertise

• Professional Process Servers: They possess in-depth knowledge of the legal requirements and nuances involved in serving documents, ensuring compliance with all regulations.
• Sheriff Departments: While trained in law enforcement, they may not have the same expertise in the specific procedures and legalities of process serving.

Success Rate

• Professional Process Servers: They often have higher success rates due to their dedication and specialized techniques.
• Sheriff Departments: Success rates can vary, and their broader responsibilities may impact their effectiveness in serving documents.

Process Server vs. Certified Mail

Reliability

• Professional Process Servers: They ensure personal delivery and can verify the recipient's identity, providing a higher level of reliability.
• Certified Mail: Because certified mail requires the recipient to sign upon delivery, if they refuse or are unavailable, service may be unsuccessful, leading to delays.

Legal Acceptance

• Professional Process Servers: Their proof of service is widely accepted in courts and provides strong evidence that the documents were delivered appropriately.
• Certified Mail: While accepted in some cases, it may not be sufficient when personal service is required or if the recipient disputes receipt.

Handling Difficult Situations

• Professional Process Servers: Trained to handle evasive or uncooperative recipients, they can employ various strategies to ensure successful service. In cases where a subject intentionally avoids service, process servers may work alongside private investigator services to locate hard-to-find individuals and complete the legal service.
• Certified Mail: This method cannot address issues where recipients avoid or refuse delivery, potentially hindering the legal process.

Advantages of Professional Process

• Timely Delivery: Their focused approach ensures documents are served promptly, keeping legal proceedings on schedule.
• Advanced Tracking: Many professional servers utilize GPS verification and provide real-time updates, offering transparency throughout the process.
• Compliance Assurance: They stay informed about legal requirements and ensure all services are conducted within the bounds of the law.
• Nationwide Coverage: Services like Lexitas provide extensive reach, accommodating clients across various jurisdictions.

Choosing a Professional Process Server

Conclusion