Process serving can be a meticulous and challenging task, requiring attention to detail and adherence to legal protocols.
We’ve been in the business of making serves for years, and our award-winning service inspires us to always improve how effective we can be for our clients – through endless trial and error, we’ve learned a thing or two along the way.
To help you navigate this complex process as best you can, I want to share some tips to avoid common pitfalls and ensure successful serves.
As professionals handling hundreds of serves daily across California and the US, we’ve seen it all. While most serves are executed smoothly, there’s always room for improvement.
Whether you’re new to process serving or looking to refine your techniques, these tips will help you achieve more accurate and efficient results.
Top 10 process serving tips
I want to focus this article on ten common mishaps we often see and how to avoid them.
We handle hundreds of serves daily across California and the US, and while most are well-executed, some could be improved. Here’s how:
1. Know who you are serving
Before submitting a service request, it’s vital to verify the accuracy of the address for the individual or entity you need to serve.
Outdated or incorrect addresses are common causes of delays or failed serves. Tools like One Legal’s Personal Business Locator are great at helping you to cross-check and confirm the most recent address details.
By inputting basic information, you can access a comprehensive report of current addresses, increasing the likelihood of a successful and timely service.
Taking this extra step ensures efficiency, minimizes potential issues, and significantly improves the chances of a smooth legal process.
2. Provide pertinent information in special instructions
When submitting a service request, it’s important to include as much relevant information as possible in the special instructions section.
Details about the target, such as work hours, known travel habits, or character traits, can significantly improve the server’s ability to successfully complete the job.
Furthermore, if the location has any specific access requirements, such as gate codes or security protocols, including these in the instructions is essential. The more information you provide, the better equipped the process server will be to approach the situation effectively, increasing the chances of a successful and timely serve.
3. Include a physical description
When submitting a service request, providing a detailed physical description of the individual to be served is crucial.
Information such as height, build, age, hair color, and any distinguishing features like tattoos or scars can significantly aid the process server in identifying the correct person. If possible, include a recent photograph to further ensure accuracy.
This additional detail is especially important if the individual is known to be evasive or difficult to locate. A thorough physical description increases the likelihood of a successful serve, reducing the chances of mistaken identity or delays in the legal process.
4. Avoid asking servers to do anything illegal
This may sound odd, but believe me, it’s not!
It’s imperative to understand that process servers must operate within the bounds of the law. Requests to perform illegal actions, such as trespassing, impersonating someone else, or engaging in deceptive practices, will not be honored.
Process servers are professionals who adhere strictly to legal protocols to ensure the validity of the service. Asking them to engage in unlawful behavior not only jeopardizes their safety but can also invalidate the serve and lead to legal consequences.
Respecting legal boundaries is important to ensure that the process remains legitimate and that the service of documents is conducted properly and effectively.
5. Confirm the right registered agent for businesses
Before initiating service on a business entity, you must confirm the correct registered agent responsible for receiving legal documents.
Incorrectly identifying the agent can lead to delays or even failed serves. To avoid this, take a moment to verify the registered agent through reliable sources like the Secretary of State’s website or One Legal’s business locator tool.
This step ensures that the documents are served to the appropriate party, which is crucial for the legal process to proceed smoothly – properly confirming the registered agent saves time and helps avoid unnecessary complications or rejections.
6. Submit complete service packets
Ensuring that your service packet is complete and accurate before submission is vital to avoid delays or complications.
A complete packet includes all necessary documents, properly filed and ready for service.
Missing documents or submitting non-filed originals can cause significant delays, as our team will need to reach out to you for corrections or additional information.
Double-check your packet to ensure everything is in order before submission. This proactive step allows the process server to begin their work immediately, increasing the likelihood of a swift and successful service without unnecessary back-and-forth or delays.
7. Clearly communicate critical deadlines
When submitting a service request, be sure clearly communicate any critical deadlines associated with the case.
Specify these deadlines in the special instructions section and ensure that the service level you select matches the urgency of your request.
For instance, if you need the documents served within a specific timeframe, opting for rush or scheduled stakeout services can be essential.
Clearly indicating these deadlines allows the process server to prioritize your request accordingly, helping to avoid any missed deadlines that could negatively impact your case; clear communication of deadlines ensures timely and effective service.
8. Properly list all parties to serve
When submitting a service request, accurately list all parties that need to be served, especially if there are multiple individuals or entities involved.
Each party should be clearly identified with their specific documents assigned to them, which ensures that the right documents reach the correct recipients, avoiding any confusion or mistakes.
If you have multiple parties at the same address, take advantage of features that allow you to assign documents to each party individually.
Properly listing all parties streamlines the process, reduces the risk of errors, and ensures that the service is carried out correctly.
9. Utilize our File-Serve-File bundle
Maximize efficiency by utilizing One Legal’s File-Serve-File bundle service when initiating a new case.
This feature allows you to file your case-initiating documents and automatically initiate the service of process in one seamless step – by bundling these tasks together, you save time and reduce the risk of errors, as our team ensures that your documents are filed and served in the correct order.
Additionally, this service includes the eFiling of proof of service, making the entire process more streamlined and convenient. Using the File-Serve-File bundle simplifies case management, ensuring a faster, more accurate legal process.
10. Review attempt notifications and communicate with us
Stay actively engaged in the process by promptly reviewing attempt notifications provided by our process servers.
These notifications offer real-time updates on each service attempt, including important details like the location, time, and any challenges encountered.
By reviewing these updates, you can quickly identify any issues, such as missing information or incorrect addresses, and communicate adjustments to our team immediately.
Use the messaging feature to provide additional instructions or clarification – this prompt communication helps ensure that the service attempts are as effective as possible, reducing delays and increasing the likelihood of a successful serve.
Conclusion
Navigating the intricacies of process serving requires diligence, precision, and a thorough understanding of how to facilitate efficient serves.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of common mishaps and ensure a smoother, more effective process.
Remember, the key to successful process serving lies in preparation and communication –verifying addresses, providing detailed information, and adhering to legal protocols are essential steps in achieving your objectives.
Our tools, such as One Legal’s Personal Business Locator and file serve file bundle, are designed to support you in this endeavor, making the process more streamlined and effective.
I hope you find this useful – if you stand by these tips, I guarantee you will drastically improve the efficiency of your serves.
