Methods That A Process Server Uses To Effectively Serve A Respondent

3 January 2022 by Jonathan Phillips

One of the hardest parts of process serving is making sure that someone is served when they don't want to be served. This can prevent you from taking appropriate legal action against the individual. However, process servers have several tricks up their sleeves that can help them effectively serve someone.

How Process Servers Make Sure an Individual Is Served

Regardless of whether the individual wants to be served or signs for the documents, they will be served once the process server hands them the documents. They don't necessarily have to read them. However, there are additional steps that can be taken to prove that the individual was served. One is to have them sign the document. Also, the process server can take a photograph of the individual and their car or place of residence. This will better confirm that the process server identified the right individual. 

An important part of serving an individual is to make sure that they are actually in the location that you think they are. Oftentimes, when an individual knows they will be served, they will change up their schedule or even avoid their place of residence. They may stay with a friend or even travel abroad temporarily, for example.

The Process Server Knows How to Remain in Compliance

There are some restrictions on what a process server can do. For example, they cannot wear a disguise when attempting to serve an individual. However, they are still allowed to carry props. One example would be to carry a package that can be used to trick the individual into thinking that the process server is simply a deliveryman. 

To be able to engage in lawful services of process activities, the actions taken by the process server must be thoroughly documented. For example, the documentation must include dates and times regarding when the individual was served. Therefore, it is better to hire a process server because they will know how to do proper documentation.

How You Can Help the Process Server

There are many things you can do to help the process server do their job. For example, you can inform the process server of:

• When the respondent being served is most likely to be home
• Whether the respondent being served currently still lives at a particular address
• Whether the respondent is living with anyone else
• Useful employment information

Once the respondent has been served, you will be able to move forward with your case. Contact a process service in your area to learn more.

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