When you or your law firm, governmental agency, or other organization needs to hire a process server, where do you go to find one? Choosing the right process server is an essential step in any legal case, and it can be challenging to connect with an effective server who will get the job done right.
The stakes are high because improper service of process can delay your case and increase your costs. In extreme circumstances, a process server’s failure to appropriately deliver legal documents can constitute a due process violation, thus leading to a dismissal of the case!
Conducting a simple Google search isn’t enough. Whether you’re handling a divorce, eviction, or complex litigation, finding a good process server in your region is a crucial part of the legal process. Firefly Legal pairs legal professionals with excellent process servers every day, so we know our stuff when it comes to finding someone who will do the job right. Let our expertise guide you through this process so you can find someone who delivers results.
What kind of process server do you need?
Not all process servers do the same work. Before launching your search, clarify your specific needs. Different legal matters demand different levels of expertise and resources from process servers.
Many servers are generalists, doing whatever service of process is needed for their clients. Others specialize in specific types of cases, like divorce proceedings, hard-to-find defendants, or cases involving corporate service.
Start by determining your geographic requirements. Is the party named in your documents in your county or state? Or are they out of the state? Some cases only need local service, while others span multiple jurisdictions. Serving someone who is out of the country is especially challenging.
Rural areas present unique challenges that require servers familiar with those environments, while urban settings might demand someone comfortable navigating high-security buildings or gated communities.
The type of service you need also shapes your search criteria. Consider these common scenarios:
- Standard personal service for routine civil matters
- Skip tracing services when defendants prove evasive
- Service by publication for cases with missing parties
- Corporate service requiring knowledge of registered agents
- International service following Hague Convention protocols
Time sensitivity adds another layer of complexity. Rush service typically costs more but becomes essential for temporary restraining orders or approaching statute of limitations deadlines. Some servers specialize in emergency service, maintaining 24/7 availability for urgent matters.
Where to find qualified process servers
The easiest, fastest, and most proven way to find a process server is to go through an agency that matches servers with assignments. Whether you need process servers consistently or just on occasion, these agencies can match you with exactly what you’re looking for.
Benefits of working with a process server agency include:
- You get matched quickly with a process server
- They do the vetting so you don’t have to
- Contracts and agreements are customizable to your needs
- You get access to the best service of process technologies
- A nationwide network of servers means you can serve process everywhere
Additional options for finding a process server include:
- Professional channels
- State process server associations
- Word-of-mouth recommendations from other attorneys, paralegals, and legal support staff
Questions to ask potential process servers
When choosing your own process server, an interview will help you ensure that it’s a good fit.
Here are some questions we recommend asking:
- How do you record successful attempts?
- What about unsuccessful attempts?
- What steps do you take when initial service attempts fail?
- What technology do you use to perform good service of process?
- Are you current on all required credentials and licensing to serve process in the assigned location?
- What are your success rates?
- What is your availability?
- What is your coverage area?
You’ll also need to confirm fees and charges, including:
- Mileage fees
- Rush service premiums
- Charges for multiple attempts
- Stakeout/surveillance fees
- Additional fees for difficult service assignments
If this sounds like a lot of work, we’ve got you covered! Firefly Legal can run background checks, confirm licensing, and set the pricing structure for your service needs on your behalf. You don’t have to spend your valuable time interviewing process servers and negotiating fees when you outsource the task to our experts.
Legal and ethical considerations when choosing a process server
The laws that govern service of process vary significantly from one state to another. Even some counties and cities have their own rules. It is important for any process server you choose to operate within these strict legal and ethical guidelines.
For example, servers should never:
- Use deception to gain access to the defendants
- Employ force or threats
- Violate trespassing laws
- Impersonate law enforcement or other officials
- Serve papers at inappropriate times or locations
Privacy and confidentiality deserve careful attention. As part of their responsibilities, professional servers protect sensitive case information and limit document access to authorized parties. That’s why they must maintain secure storage systems and use encrypted communications when appropriate.
Documentation requirements vary by jurisdiction but typically include specific elements in service affidavits. Experienced servers understand these requirements and provide legally sufficient documentation that withstands court scrutiny.
Red flags to avoid when choosing a process server near you
Can you spot the warning signs of a problematic process server? Several warning signs should prompt you to be cautious during your server selection process.
These are some of the red flags to watch out for:
- Unrealistic promises, such as a 100% first-attempt success rate
- Documentation reluctance
- Strange or unconventional pricing extremes (extremely low rates or excessive ones)
- Communication problems
- Vague answers to questions
- Disorganization
In contrast, you should look for a server who is confident, trustworthy, and professional.
Final considerations when choosing a process server near you
After evaluating candidates, trust your instincts, as well as objective criteria. The ideal process server combines professional credentials with strong communication skills and reliable service. If it’s possible, consider tasking them with small assignments to test their capabilities before entrusting someone new with critical matters.
Remember that the lowest price rarely represents the best value in process service. Experienced professionals command higher rates but often complete service more efficiently, provide better documentation, and reduce the risk of procedural errors that could jeopardize your case.
Finding the right process server requires patience and due diligence. By understanding your needs, researching qualified candidates, asking probing questions, and recognizing warning signs, you’ll identify servers who enhance rather than hinder your legal proceedings. The effort invested in this selection process pays dividends through smoother case progression and reduced procedural complications.
Firefly Legal can help you find the best process servers near you
At Firefly Legal, we know the importance of working with process servers who are knowledgeable, professional, timely, and accurate in their work.
Because our network of process servers is nationwide, we can connect you with servers in your county or state, but also anywhere else in the country. It’s commonplace for legal cases to involve defendants and named parties in more than one location, which is why you may need multiple process servers for just one case!
With Firefly Legal, you can expect:
- Timely service of process
- Professionalism and integrity
- Consistency
- Accurate results
- Clear communication
- Process serving technology that improves success rates
